Gardaí have launched a pilot body cams project at three Dublin stations.
The Taoiseach, Minister for Justice and Garda Commssioner attended the event at Store Street station this morning.
This "proof of concept" is the first phase of the project, as was recommended by a report on the future of policing.
Garda management is introducing this in three phased stages, the first of which started today at Kevin Street, Store Street and Pearse Street stations in Dublin.
100 officers are fully trained on the cameras and will have them visible on their uniforms and in-use during their work.
Its expected up to 400 frontline officers in Dublin will be using the cameras by the end of next month.
The pilot roll-out will continue later this year in Limerick and Waterford, and will eventually go nationwide.
Today is a significant day for An Garda Síochána. Body worn cameras are now being worn for the first time. My goal is to have body worn cameras on Gardaí in every part of the country as soon as possible.
? - https://t.co/55Imga4at3 pic.twitter.com/9X56WvRLAA
— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) May 31, 2024
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris told 98fm there are plenty of benefits from the cameras, including, "to receive first complaints of assault. First complaints of domestic abuse. First complaints of sexual assault, serious sexual assault.
To record interactions with the public, where there may be an evidential requirement in respect of those to help Gardaí at the scene of the nighttime economy and all situations."
