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Minister McEntee welcomes the start of the body worn camera procurement process

• The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities.
• Use of body worn cameras will protect frontline Gardaí and deter criminal activity.
• Introduction of bodycams a key Programme for Government commitment

12 September 2023

The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, welcomed the start of the public procurement process for the introduction of body worn cameras in An Garda Síochána.

The first step comes with the publication today of a Request for Information (RFI) on Body Worn Cameras (BWC) and Digital Evidence Management Systems (DEMS) on eTenders.ie website.

The passage of the legislation which will allow for the use of bodycams is a priority for Minister for the upcoming autumn Dáil session. 

The Programme for Government contained commitments to implement the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, which called for the deployment of body worn cameras by An Garda Síochána to enhance the frontline policing capability.

Minister McEntee said:

“This modern technology is a key tool for frontline Gardaí and represents a practical expression of our commitment to build stronger, safer communities. 

“I believe it is essential to delivering on Government’s aim to ensure An Garda Síochána is a leading edge, modern police service fit for the digital age. I will be working to pass the legislation to allow Gardaí use these vital technologies as quickly as possible.”

“Policing organisations around the world have found that body worn cameras can help improve front-line capability with the accurate recording of incidents, such as instances of domestic abuse. 

“They will also speed up analysis, enhance situational awareness, and protect our Gardaí from harm..”

Minister McEntee hopes to enact the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 as soon as possible to allow Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to pilot the use of body-worn cameras later this year, prior to their widespread roll-out.

Minister McEntee added:

“I firmly believe that our Gardaí must have the same tools as their colleagues in police services across Europe and around the world.

“While deployment of these devices, including related timelines, will be an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner once the legislation has been enacted, I am supportive of them being brought into operation at the earliest opportunity.”