Aerial Platforms

Recording Devices fitted to Aerial Platforms : Code of Practice - Public Consultation

The mission of An Garda Síochána is supported by a commitment to working with communities and using available resources, including technology, to prevent and detect crime. One of these technologies is the use of recording devices used in conjunction with an aerial platform (AP). Aerial Platforms are any vehicle capable of manned or unmanned flight, including, but not limited to fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and drones.

What will recording devices in conjunction aerial platforms be used for?

Recording devices used in conjunction with an aerial platform must be operated fairly, responsibly, with respect for the rights of others, without unlawful discrimination, and as is necessary for a legitimate policing purpose.  Interference with the rights of others must be minimised to the least extent possible.

Why are recording devices used in conjunction with aerial platforms needed?

 Modern day policing requires the use of advanced technologies. Events leading to the deployment of these devices can occur dynamically with little to no warning. An Garda Síochána must be able to use such devices to prevent and detect crime.

Whilst the use of these devices by An Garda Síochána will benefit the public, it can also have a direct impact on the human rights of individuals. Therefore, any deployment and use will be in accordance with law and subject to Garda policies and procedures and governed by a Code of Practice.

 What governs the use of recording devices used in conjunction with an aerial platform

 The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 was enacted on 5th December 2023. This Act provides the current legal framework for the use of various recording devices. Part 8 of this Act stipulates a Code of Practice on Recording Devices used in conjunction with an Aerial Platform is required.

As part of developing this Code of Practice, An Garda Síochána is conducting a public consultation  seeking submissions for any views or observations on the draft Code of Practice.

An extensive set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) have been provided to give supporting context to this draft document.  

Recording Devices used in conjunction with an Aerial Platform

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
• Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission

Prior to the Code of Practice being issued in a Part 8 consultation process, a Human Rights Impact Assessment was conducted and a Data Protection Impact Assessment will also be conducted before the Code of Practice can be considered by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for publication as a Statutory Instrument.

 Share Your Views

 An Garda Síochána is keen to collect feedback from the public on this draft Code of Practice. To provide feedback, please read the draft Code of Practice and complete the below feedback form. 

You can also read the Recording Device used in conjunction with an Aerial Platform: Code of Practice frequently asked questions (FAQs) here.

Any personal data that is provided by respondents as part of their responses is processed under Article 6(1)(a) and Article 9(2)(a) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Section 55(1)(b)(i) of the Data Protection Act 2018, as applicable. Any personal data provided will not be retained for longer than is strictly necessary for the purposes of any analysis or reviewing of the feedback results.

Feedback submissions must be submitted by 31th of March 2026.