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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
John Kierans

Gardaí to wear body cameras next year with laws to be brought in 'within weeks'

Gardai will be wearing body recording cameras while on duty over the course of the next year.

New laws to allow the move go ahead will be enacted by the Government within weeks.

The devices have helped to protect officers in police forces worldwide.

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Justice Minister Heather Humphrey has confirmed the body cams are being brought in.

She said: "The Garda Siochana (Recording Devices) Bill 2022 was published on August 4 last. It will provide a legal basis for the deployment and use of body-worn cameras by An Garda Siochana.

“The Commission on the future of policing in Ireland recommended the introduction of body- worn cameras. Police organisations around the world have found such devices can help improve frontline capability with the accurate recording of incidents, expedite analysis, enhance situation awareness and sometimes protect police from harm.

“The Bill needs to be enacted before the body cameras will be deployed. The report has been prepared to go to Government and it will be going in the coming weeks.

“These body camera or bodycams are essential. It is essential the Gardai are equipped with the most up to date technology to help them do the job more effectively.”

The Minister confirmed €3 million has been allocated for preparatory work to support the introduction of body worn cameras.

The Government will be bringing forward the bill through both the Dail and the Seanad.

Minister Humphrey’s was responding to representatives from Louth Independent TD Peter Fitzpatrick who demanded the new Garda body cam laws be passed by the Dail as quickly as possible.

He pointed out Louth had lost two Gardai murdered on active duty in recent years, Detective Garda Adrian Donohue and Garda Tony Golden.

The families of Gardai have been contacting him and asking when are they going to get these cameras.

Deputy Fitzpatrick added: ”These body cameras will be a fantastic plus. In other countries they are wearing these camcorders and the results are beneficial to the protection and safety of their police. I will be supporting the bill and I hope it can be passed as soon as possible.”

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