GDPR hampering CCTV installation

GDPR issues remain a concern in relation to the installation of community CCTV cameras in Kerry, according to the Kerry Divisional Chief Superintendent Eileen Foster.

She told the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) that the progress in relation to this issue is ‘slow’.

“We are extremely supportive of these initiatives, but there are issues around who is the holder of this data. It is being progressed, but it is slow,” she said.

Plans are underway to install CCTV cameras in a number of locations across the county to combat crime, but such schemes are being delayed by GDPR. Chief

Superintendent Foster said gardaí are also examining the use of traffic cameras and patrol car cameras in the interim, until the CCTV issues are resolved.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said issues surrounding community-based CCTV must be resolved.

“We are trying to find a simplified way forward, but it will have to conform with GDPR.”

Cllr Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael) said that GDPR issues were “slowing down combating crime” in Kerry, and he called on Commissioner Harris and Chief Superintendent Foster to move the CCTV issue forward so that communities can install CCTV and ensure their security and safety.

He said that attempts were being made to install CCTV in Tarbert on the Kerry-Limerick border to help combat crime.

TD John Brassil also raised concerns about GDPR.

Local Killarney businessman Mike Culloty, who is a member of the Joint Policing Committee, also said that gardaí and local business owners should work together to ensure that CCTV from local business can be accessed to investigate crimes.

He said that a system should be in place whereby gardaí know where all businesses’ CCTV cameras are located so they can access them immediately. He said that, under GDPR rules, businesses can often only keep footage for a number of days but that gardaí can provide a GDPR letter to gain access to their footage.