Calls made for Limerick traffic wardens to wear body cameras
CALLS have been made for traffic wardens in Limerick to be equipped with body cameras.
At the monthly meeting of the Metropolitan District of Limerick City and County Council, Councillor Sarah Kiely submitted a motion that the provision of cameras be re-examined as a “matter of urgency”.
Cllr Kiely claimed traffic wardens were being “assaulted” and that the cameras would act as a deterrent to those inclined to “abuse” the wardens.
Cllr Kiely went on to use Waterford City and County Council as an example, the local authority there already use body cameras.
Traffic wardens’ uniforms in the area are fitted with body cameras which “allow for accurate documentation of contentious engagements between traffic wardens and members of the public”.
WCCC state that traffic wardens should use “their own judgement” of a situation and activate the camera only when they feel it is needed.
They also state that the cameras will act as a deterrent to protect their safety, once a member of the public is informed they are being recorded it is less likely that they will attempt to cause harm.
The procedures state that the recordings will allow WCCC to report any abusive or threatening behaviour to the gardai.
The images may only be used in prosecutions for assault or threats to traffic wardens and footage would be deleted once it is not required for any legal proceedings.
Wardens should always inform individuals that they are being recorded and the cameras may only be used in public areas.
Limerick City and County Council replied to Cllr Kiely's motion saying: “The use of personal protective equipment for local authority staff, including body-cams, etc is an operational matter that is kept under constant review by management having regard to health and safety requirements and situational assessments”.