Bodycams for Gardaí to include Facial Recognition Technology software – Farrell

The purchase of bodyworn cameras for Gardaí is a landmark decision that will equip frontline Gardaí with the highest standard equipment to protect and assist them in their duties a Fine Gael Deputy said.

Deputy Alan Farrell, Fine Gael’s Justice spokesperson said: ““The provision of bodycams for Gardaí is something I have been advocating for for some time Putting themselves in harm’s way in every shift, Gardaí rarely know what they might face when they clock into work each day.

“Over 2,000 Gardaí have been assaulted while on duty over the past seven years, and I’m very pleased that Garda Commissioner Drew Harris will now begin tendering for the purchase of bodyworn cameras.

“I am also pleased that the use of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) will also be provided for separately in the new Garda Síochána (Digital Management and Facial Recognition Technology) Bill 2023,” Deputy Farrell continued.

“This Bill will be drafted on a priority basis to provide for the safe and ethical use of Facial Recognition Technology to assist  Gardaí to investigate the most serious crimes which are subject to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. These include:

• Threats to national security and critical infrastructure
• Homicide
• Rape and aggravated sexual assault
• Child sexual abuse
• Abduction, including child abduction
• The most serious violent offences, often committed against vulnerable victims – these are robbery, aggravated burglary, and assault causing serious harm

“FRT is already in use by the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Foreign Affairs (the Passport Office) and the Border Management Unit.

“The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States is seen as the gold standard in testing the accuracy of facial recognition algorithms. In a recent report, which included a study of 127 different algorithms, the most accurate ones were found to fail only in about one quarter of 1% of searches. Bearing in mind that the same study utilised 26 million images of 12 million individuals; it must be recognised that the accuracy of the most advanced technology is impressive.

“Bodycams will be vital in terms of protecting gardai Gardaí and for evidence of the nature of assaults and incidents that they are facing. I hope that this development will also serve to deter the often racially motivated harassment of Gardaí doing their duty – footage which we’ve all seen uploaded onto social media platforms.

“Building stronger, safer communities is one of Minister Helen McEntee and Fine Gael’s central priorities. Today’s advancements will result in a better equipped, better resourced and better protected Garda Síochána, to best serve our whole society.”