Tech might not record first 30 secs
Commissioner Harris hails launch of project
Cameras
GARDA bodycams may not record audio for the first 30 seconds of a saved video when fully introduced.
Commissioner Drew Harris said whether that functionality is to the “operational benefit” of gardai is being tested.
The technology, actively trialled in Ireland for the first time yesterday, allows gardai to record their interactions with the public for evidencegathering purposes.
Critics have warned that the introduction of the technology without proper safeguards could significantly infringe on the fundamental rights of citizens.
The trial will test the technical capabilities of each camera, how they will be used operationally and the implications for training and governance of their use.
CAPTURED
The devices record lengthy video and audio from the moment they are activated by gardai.
But they are also capable of attaching up to 30 seconds of footage that was captured prior to the device being fully activated.
It means that the devices are effectively always recording but the buffer is not saved if the device is not fully activated by the garda.
In some jurisdictions, police services have requested that audio not be saved or recorded during the buffer period to protect the privacy of officers.
Commissioner Drew
Harris said: “We want to examine that and part of the proof of concept is making sure that we have a camera system which meets our needs.”
The Garda Representative Association, which speaks for rank-and-file members, has said that decisions on the use of an audio buffer are still being considered in the context of the needs of the organisation as well as personnel.
GARDA bodycams will help identify troublemakers at extremist political protests, Commissioner Drew Harris claimed yesterday.
The cameras will be worn by a total of 700 frontline gardai during the Proof of Concept project.
Cops at Pearse Street station, Kevin Street station and Store Street station began wearing cameras yesterday, while they will be introduced in Waterford station and Henry Street station in Limerick in the coming months.
There will be 100 cameras available for use in Store Street, while Kevin Street and Pearse Street will have 50 each.
Commissioner Harris also said had bodycams been in use during the Dublin riots of November 23 last year, it would have given gardai actual audio footage of the verbal abuse by individuals at the initial stages of the disorder.
Speaking at the launch of the first phase of its Proof of Concept for body worn cameras, the Garda Commissioner said the cameras will prove useful for “evidence gathering” at far-right protests.
He said: “I think we have seen a rise of extreme political views and I don’t want to give any particular label to it and we have to look back to the disorder that we faced last year with the serious disorder of November 23, 2023 and the disorder we have had in recent protests and the nature of those protests.
“The physical abuse but also the violent abuse that Garda members have been subjected to.
“So we want to be in a position where we can evidence gather at those protests and be in a position to identify individuals and report them then to the DPP.
STRATEGY
What we don’t have is audio..[it] betrays the intent of the individual GARDA COMMISSIONER DREW HARRIS
“And this is part of our overall investigative strategy to deal with political extremism where it ventures into offences of assault, damage and also intimidation in particular and that’s where it’s really useful to capture the conversation.”
Commissioner Harris said gardai have gathered thousands of hours of CCTV of the riots.
He said: “What we don’t have is the audio and the audio betrays the intent of the individual.
“So it would have been of great assistance but the next step beyond that is a digital evidence management system would be of further assistance of being able to sift through thousands of hours of footage.
“The people that we are dealing with in an evidential setting, they will be warned and they will see the red light flashing on the camera.
“That does temper behaviour and as this rolls out this will become more apparent.”
Also speaking at the launch, Taoiseach Simon Harris said the bodycams are “an important tool and piece of technology that I think can help keep Gardai safe, and also I think continuing to help keep our streets safe and support the gardai in their evidence gathering work too”.
Justice Minister Helen Mcentee said she wants to see body cameras on gardai all across the country and that this pilot phase was “a significant day” for the force.
Over 150 gardai in Dublin have completed training for the cameras and the Digital Evidence Management System, with a further 200 set to complete their training this month.