Gardai progress plans to roll out body worn cameras as tenders are sought

The use of body cameras by members of An Garda Síochana has moved a step closer with the formal publication of new tender documents.

The Request for Tenders invites companies to tender for the provision of body worn cameras (BWCs) and supporting Digital Evidence Management Systems (DEMS) for An Garda Síochána to conduct a Proof of Concept (PoC) for Body Worn Cameras in the force.

The value of the initial contacts is estimated to be in the region of €2.1 million.

According to the tender documents, 600 cameras and the associated infrastructure will initially be rolled out to a small number of garda stations to allow for an evaluation to be carried out over a 12-month period.

The areas where BWCs will be initially used are Pearse Street garda station (Dublin), Kevin Street garda station (Dublin), Store Street garda station (Dublin), Waterford garda station and Henry Street garda station in Limerick.

According to the tender documents, which run to nearly 100 pages, it is envisaged that a different supplier will be selected for each of the three garda divisions which are to be included in the Proof of Concept period.

"It is proposed to select three suppliers for the PoC with each supplier being assigned to one of the three specific divisions. In other words, a supplier’s solution will only operate in one of the three divisions with the other supplier’s solutions operating in another one of the divisions," states the tender, which adds that An Garda Síochána "has no plans” to use live facial recognition on body worn cameras.

"The purpose of body worn cameras is to capture interactions between members of An Garda Síochána and members of the public. The footage captured will be uploaded into a Digital Evidence Management System. This combination will be an invaluable tool for members of An Garda Síochána, Director of Public Prosecutions, and others in processing evidence and in the ability to provide a level of transparency with outside parties that was previously unachievable," adds the lengthy document.

While the document set out various technical and legal requirements which are to be met by potential suppliers, it also also stresses that the Proof of Concept period will be essential for learnings, such as how and where the cameras can be mounted on uniforms, before any wider roll-out of BWCs.

"An Garda Síochána currently uses the Klickfast mounting system for Tetra Radio and Mobile Data Stations (Smart Phone) on the member’s uniform and are interested in understanding variations and suggestions from respondents for head and chest mounting and connectivity options for our consideration".

Commenting following the publication of the tender documents, Chief Superintendent Derek Smart, said: "The publication of this Request for Tender brings An Garda Síochána a step closer to the reality of body worn cameras being generally used by gardaí.  This Proof of Concept period provides an opportunity for An Garda Síochána to understand the capacity and capabilities of body worn cameras and for the public to provide their feedback to An Garda Síochána prior to the organisation wide roll out of body worn cameras."

Andrew O’Sullivan, Chief Information Officer for An Garda Síochána, added: "This is the next step in the procurement and roll out of body worn cameras for An Garda Síochána continuing our ongoing commitment to providing our Gardaí with the most modern electronic tools to be effective in keeping them and people safe in today’s society.

The Proof of Concept phase is an essential element to introducing body worn cameras, in a way which is clearly explained and understood by everybody in society, as a tool to assist members of An Garda Síochána in their day to day duties.”

The deadline for receipt of tenders is 3pm on February 26.