Jim O'Callaghan
Question:827. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide an update on the deployment of body cameras for Gardaí in the DMR north central. [12098/24]
View answerWednesday, 20 March 2024
Questions (827)
Written answers
I am committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána have the resources, the equipment and the technology necessary to do their jobs in protecting people from harm and saving lives.The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act was signed into law by the President on 5 December 2023. The Act provides for body worn cameras, Garda CCTV, automatic number plate recognition, and Community CCTV.
Deployment of these devices, including related timelines, is an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that on Friday 22 March 2024 , An Garda Síochána will complete the final stage of a procurement exercise for body worn cameras with associated software, a Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) for the Proof of Concept (POC).
This procurement will enable An Garda Síochána to deploy body worn cameras in the DMR North Central Division in early May 2024. An Garda Síochána plan to deploy 600 cameras as part of the POC across the Dublin, Limerick and Waterford Divisions. Familiarisation and training for members in Store Street has commenced and will continue in April, focusing on the Codes of Practice.