Exciting news as frontline gardaí in Dublin begin using body cameras starting today. This pilot program, with 350 members from three stations, is a step towards a nationwide rollout next year.
The body cameras, worn on the chest, will flash red when turned on. While not required to inform the public, gardaí are encouraged to do so as best practice. Footage can only be accessed after being transferred to a central storage facility, enhancing transparency.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee sees this technology as vital for a modern police force. She believes it is crucial for gardaí to have the ability to record incidents they are involved in.
The plan is to expand this initiative to stations in Limerick and Waterford this year, with hopes to eventually have body cams available nationwide. Legislation to allow facial recognition technology is being considered by the Oireachtas, although concerns about bias have been raised.