Public Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) refers to CCTV cameras in a public place which are a closed circuit television system of one or more recording cameras fixed to a structure in a public place and includes any system for processing the images, any accompanying sounds, or other information obtained by those recording devices. A “public place” means a place to which the public have or are permitted access, whether as of right or by express or implied permission and whether subject to or free of charge.
As described in the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023, recordings and images captured via Garda Public CCTV will be only for policing purposes, the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of criminal offences.
- Crime Deterrence and Prevention
- Detection and Investigation of Crime
- Improve Ability to Collect Evidence
- Enhance Accountability
- Enhanced Public Confidence
- Support for Emergency Response
- Operational Efficiency
An Garda Síochána is currently conducting a consultation process with a draft Code of Practice for Garda Public CCTV which will continue into February 2026. The draft Code of Practice provides a governance framework for the use of Public CCTV by An Garda Síochána and it will be supported by policy, procedures and relevant training to ensure compliance with the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023.
Garda personnel on application shall provide information as to how they shall install and/or operate the Garda Public CCTV, in accordance with Garda Síochána procedures. It is then up to the Garda Commissioner to authorise the Garda Public CCTV scheme.
Authorisation can be given up to 5 years. The Garda Commissioner may review or revoke the Garda Public CCTV scheme at any stage.
The Garda Commissioner may also authorise Garda Public CCTV for the policing of a specific event. As these applications relate to specific events that are time sensitive, they shall be managed through a separate and expedited process.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 allows for a 4 year transfer of pre-existing approved Pubic CCTV Schemes to the new Act.
The operational management of Garda Public CCTV is the responsibility of the Chief Superintendent in charge of the Division where the system is in place.
There are various different timelines for the retention of video in accordance with Data Protection Acts. The maximum period for video retention that is not considered evidential or part of an inquiry will be 31 days. This is aligned with the Data Protection Commission Guidance on the Use of CCTV. CCTV video evidence that is part of an investigation will be retained beyond the 31 days in accordance with legislation.
The specific equipment used and standards for the various CCTV schemes will be determined by Garda ICT.
DEMS stands for Digital Evidence Management System. This is a software solution that will enable An Garda Síochána to collect, store, manage and analyse digital evidence including CCTV footage.
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 provides the legal basis for the introduction of recording devices such as Garda Public CCTV Cameras. The development of a Code of Practice is a legislative requirement to support the Garda Public CCTV usage.
Garda Public CCTV was formerly governed by legislation, notably the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This Act required the Garda Commissioner to authorise the installation and operation of CCTV in public places, and a Code of Practice was developed to ensure compliance with data protection principles.
With the enactment of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 it replaced the Garda Síochána Act 2005 with Part 5 of the new Act, which modernised the legal framework for the use of Garda Public CCTV while reinforcing data protection requirements.
Garda Public CCTV schemes operated and managed by An Garda Síochána will be in compliance with legislation and data captured will be stored and processed in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations, Law Enforcement Directives and Data retention laws outlined in the Data Protection Act 2018.
A Data Protection Impact Assessment has been carried out for existing Garda Public CCTV schemes and will be required as part of the application process to be carried out for any new applications or schemes due for renewal.
In the draft Code of Practice, at section 2.3, it sets out when the Garda Public CCTV video can be published which includes for investigative purposes or as part of a Subject Access Request or under a rule of law.
Monitoring and control of screen displays will be carried out by suitably trained Garda personnel. A training program will be put in place for such personnel ensuring that they are proficient in the use of Garda Public CCTV and its use is made known to them.
Public consultation with local communities will be conducted as part of the application process where Garda Public CCTV schemes are being proposed or renewed. This will ensure the public are informed of the process for Garda Public CCTV schemes for their areas. This will not apply to Garda Public CCTV used for specific events due to time sensitive and state security matters.
A sufficient amount of signage shall be erected to ensure that the public are aware that they are entering an area which is covered by Garda Public CCTV.