Roll-out of bodycams for Gardai "will make streets safer" says Westmeath TD

A Westmeath Minister of State has welcomed the phased introduction of body cameras for Gardai from this April, saying the measure would "protect our frontline heroes and deliver safer streets and stronger communities".

The comments from Minister Peter Burke came as An Garda Síochána today (Thursday) published a contract tender for the body-worn cameras which are to be provided initially in four city-based locations.

The Mullingar politician added that the roll-out of body cameras in the Meath/Westmeath Garda division would be subject to "a separate procurement process" at a later stage, and this would be "informed by the learnings of their operation" in the first four locations.

He said the body cameras would first be introduced in Dublin South Central (Pearse Street and Kevin Street Garda Stations); Dublin North Central (Store Street Garda Station); Waterford (Waterford Garda Station) and Limerick (Henry Street Garda Station).

"This is great news for Gardaí who will have bodycams from April onwards. I look forward to seeing Phase Two of the operation extending to other areas," said Minister Burke.

The roll-out follows the passing of legislation last November which was introduced by Justice Minister Helen McEntee to provide Gardaí with the camera equipment.

"Over 2,000 Gardaí have been assaulted while on duty over the past seven years, and I’m very pleased that An Garda Siochana is tendering for the procurement of Body Worn Cameras (BWC) and Digital Evidence Management Systems (DEMS)," said Peter Burke.

"Bodycams record footage to their own internal encrypted storage, which is uploaded when the Garda docks the device in the Garda station. The footage is then uploaded at the end of a shift so it can be used as evidence in court or is deleted after an agreed time period if it's not required as evidence.

"Our clear aim here is to improve Garda safety, reduce challenges around arrests, reduce complaints of Garda misconduct and save time for court preparation and appearances, as well as lowering the costs of investigations and court appearances.

"This development will result in a better equipped, better resourced and better protected force to keep people and our communities safe," Minister Burke concluded.