Facial recognition software part of Garda modernisation programme

Gardaí will soon have access to technology that can pick out a known face in the crowd on CCTV cameras.

It is just one of the elements of a five-year modernisation programme of the gardaí published today, which includes €200m to be spent on ICT.

Gardai on patrol will have access to mobile devices by the start of next year, which will enable them to have remote access to criminal files.

Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan has said they reviewed 43 reports into An Garda Siochana to inform this programme; “We looked at all of the criticisms, all of the lessons, all of the learnings, particularly where there were major deficiencies found, in the way that we carry out our work.

“Included in that is the most recent O’Higgins report, we spent time carefully and actively listening to and learning from communities.

“We spent time listening to and learning from our own people.”