Garda CCTV: Public asked for views on third-party live feeds

Gardaí are asking the public to have their say

The draft Code of Practice at the centre of it covers Garda CCTV arrangements where a system operated by an organisation or an individual outside the force provides live footage to gardaí.

Why a new Garda CCTV code is being written

The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 sets out the current legal framework for the use of recording devices, third-party live feeds included.

That Act requires a new Code of Practice on those feeds, setting out further detail on how they operate, and this consultation is the step before it is finalised.

A Garda spokesperson said the widespread use of CCTV in Ireland has led to increased demand for access to third-party systems, pointing to drug-related crime, vehicle and property crime and public order offences as the kinds of cases where footage is sought.

Those are the offence types behind stories such as recent Garda seizures in Dublin and the continuing pressure on organised crime in the capital. Engagement with relevant Government departments will run alongside the public submissions.

"Third-party live CCTV feeds are in widespread use in Ireland and can prove invaluable in the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences."

Deputy Commissioner for Security, Strategy and Governance Paul Cleary