Recording of calls to emergency and non-emergency Garda lines: Longford people asked for feedback
The new draft Code of Practice governs the recording of telephone calls across Garda emergency and non-emergency telephone services.
An Garda Síochána has today launched a public consultation on a new draft Code of Practice governing the recording of telephone calls across its emergency and non-emergency telephone services.
These would include lines operated by the Regional Control Centres and the Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS).
According to An Garda Síochána, “the recording of designated telephone lines plays a key role in maintaining operational effectiveness, accountability and public safety while supporting the organisation's mission to keep communities safe.”
The draft Code of Practice outlines the principles, procedures and safeguards that will govern how telephone calls are recorded and managed.
It covers the processing, storage, retention and disclosure of recorded data, while also setting out measures to protect individual rights and ensure compliance with data protection legislation.
The Code further specifies that recordings may only be made for purposes permitted under the 2023 Act, which would include the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences, safeguarding against threats to public security, and protecting the security of the State.
As part of the consultation process, An Garda Síochána is inviting members of the public to review the draft Code and provide feedback. Engagement with relevant Government departments will also take place during the consultation period.
In addition to seeking the views of the public the Garda Commissioner is also mandated to seek views from the:
- Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration
- Policing & Community Safety Authority
- Office of the Police Ombudsman - Fiosrú
- Data Protection Commission and
- Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
Deputy Commissioner for Security, Strategy and Governance, Paul Cleary, said the Code would provide transparency and accountability around the use of call recordings.
"This Code of Practice guarantees that all call recording activity is carried out in a lawful manner and provides clarity on how recorded calls may be accessed, stored and used."
He added, "The Code not only ensures An Garda Síochána meets its obligations under data protection legislation, but that recordings are made only for the principal purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences."
Members of the public can read the draft Code of Practice and submit their views as part of the consultation process through the official An Garda Síochána consultation portal.