No decision made on audio recording during bodycam ‘buffer’

Garda bodycams may not record audio for the first 30 seconds of a saved video when fully introduced, according to the Commissioner.

Commissioner Drew Harris said whether that functionality is to the “operational benefit” of gardai is being tested.

The technology, being actively trialled in Ireland for the first time on Friday, allows gardai to record their interactions with the public for evidence-gathering purposes.

Critics have warned that the introduction of the technology without proper safeguards could significantly infringe on the fundamental rights of citizens.

The trial will test the technical capabilities of each camera, how they will be used operationally and the implications for training and governance of their use.

The devices record lengthy video and audio from the moment they are activated by gardai but are also capable of attaching up to 30 seconds of footage that was captured prior to the device being fully activated.

It is able to do this by constantly capturing a buffer of 30 seconds which is overwritten on a live, rolling basis.

It means that the devices are effectively always recording but the buffer is not saved if the device is not fully activated by the garda.

In some jurisdictions, police services have requested that audio not be saved or recorded during the buffer period to protect the privacy of officers.

This could mean that pertinent conversations involving the police or members of the public would not be audible on playback for that period despite the video being saved.

Gardai said that one of the things being tested in the trial was whether Ireland would follow suit.

Bodycams being tested at Store Street Garda Station are currently recording audio during the buffer period but other devices to be tested in the pilot phase may not.

Commissioner Drew Harris said: “We want to examine that and part of the proof of concept is making sure that we have a camera system which meets our needs.”

He added: “We want to see what difference this makes – these are big questions to answer.”

The Garda Representative Association, which speaks for rank-and-file members, said decisions on the use of an audio buffer is still being considered in the context of the needs of the organisation as well as personnel.