Frequently asked questions

Yes — recording your incident, finding who holds the footage, and sending the urgent preservation demand that stops the footage being deleted are all free. Backing up your case is free too. You only pay a one-off Case Unlock (€25) if you want the full GDPR access letters, the tailored complaint letters, automatic escalation and the printable case pack.

Everything you enter stays only in your own web browser, on your device. There is no account and no server, and nothing is uploaded — including your video and photo files. We could not read your case even if we wanted to.

Yes. Under the GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, CCTV footage in which you are identifiable is your personal data. You can make a subject access request to whoever operates the camera and receive a copy — usually within one calendar month, free of charge.

Often about 30 days, but sometimes only days. Cameras overwrite footage automatically, so the single most important step is to send a preservation request quickly, asking the operator not to delete or overwrite it. That part is always free here.

You can request Garda body-worn and station/custody footage through the Garda Data Protection Office. If your complaint is about Garda conduct, it goes to Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman. We also recommend requesting independent nearby cameras so you don't rely only on footage the Gardaí hold.

They must respond within one calendar month. If they don't, you follow up in writing and can then complain to the Data Protection Commission. The tool generates the chase-up letter and the Data Protection Commission complaint for you automatically once a request is overdue.

No. On The Record is an information tool that helps you assert rights you already have. It is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. For serious matters, speak to a solicitor, and if a crime has occurred, report it to the Gardaí.

With the free tool you do it yourself, step by step. With the done-for-you service, you tell us what happened and we handle the legwork — identifying cameras, sending the requests, chasing operators and building your pack — for a fixed fee.

Yes. The Solicitors & advocates plan gives you a practice dashboard to manage unlimited client cases side by side, each with its own footage requests, deadlines and case pack, plus co-branding.