Body cams for gardaí to ensure sense of security on our streets– Cummins & Byrne

The rollout of body cameras for all frontline Gardaí are key for the future of policing, two Fine Gael Senators have said.

This initiative is being implemented in three phases, initially with selected areas in Dublin since last month and soon to be deployed to officers in Limerick and Waterford.

Limerick based Senator Maria Byrne, said:

“Body cameras have been instrumental in deterring assaults and facilitating the quick identification of offenders in Dublin, and it is high time we see that roll out continue in Limerick.

“They are also a crucial tool in tackling and investigating crime, such as where Gardaí often arrive on the scene of domestic violence and abuse.

“Moreover, this rollout will be welcome news to businesses in Limerick, as anti-social behaviour on the streets is often a significant concern.

“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.

“There can be no accommodation of violence, intimidation or fear in Limerick. A message will be sent that if you break the law, Fine Gael and An Garda Siochana will ensure you face the consequences.”

Waterford based Senator John Cummins said:

“The use of bodycams by police is the norm across Europe and it has the full support of Minister McEntee, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, rank and file Gardai and their representative organisations.

“Until now, Ireland is one of the few EU Member States that does not equip our Gardai with bodycams; even the PSNI have been using them in Northern Ireland since 2016.

“It is not lost on the public that in many cases, the only person at a crime scene or a protest without a camera has been gardaí.

“This is why I believe the introduction of this technology is so important. It will improve safety for Gardaí in Waterford; and enhance the ability of Gardaí to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of crime, while providing impartial and transparent evidence as to what Gardai see. 

“I look forward to seeing the speedy roll out of body cams across Waterford and thank Minister McEntee and Taoiseach Simon Harris for prioritising Waterford for this pilot project which I ultimately hope will be rolled out nationally in due course”.