It is estimated that supplying bodycams to gardaí and the digital system to manage them in the first four divisions that will use them will cost in the region of €2.1 million.
Today a tender request was published inviting suppliers to express an interest in taking up one of three contracts, with each one focused on providing BWCs (body-worn cameras) in different areas.
Gadaí will initially introduce them in two Dublin divisions – DMR South Central (Pearse St and Kevin St) and DMR North Central (Store St) as well as the Waterford and Limerick divisions (Waterford and Henry St stations).
These areas will be used to conduct “Proof of Concept” pilots before more BWCs will be issued nationally.
The two Dublin regions will be first to use them, and the cameras will be supplied by the number one-ranked contract bidder.
It is expected that they will be rolled out sometime between March and June this year.
They will then be introduced in Limerick and Waterford at later dates, with the number two and three-ranked contract bidders set to provide them in each station.
The tender request document has marked an estimated value of these contracts, excluding VAT, at €2.1 million.
After these phases are complete there will be a separate procurement process to select a candidate for the full national rollout.
This will be done after the Proof of Concept phases are completed and taken into consideration.
Along with the cameras themselves, the tender requests the supply of software, IT services, consulting services as well as other supports.
Gardaí are hoping the introducing of the cameras will help improve the safety of members, and reduce the amount of misconduct complaints.
It is also hoped that BWCs will help save time when dealing with court preparations and appearances, as well as lower investigation costs.
Chief Superintendent Derek Smart, said that the publication of today’s 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.
