U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun outfitting an initial group of agents and officers with body-worn cameras to better enhance its policing practices and reinforce trust and transparency.
This targeted deployment of body-worn cameras is the first step toward broader implementation and will allow CBP to more effectively roll out the program to additional personnel.
CBP is embracing thoroughly tested and researched new technologies that efficiently and effectively support its complex missions. CBP expects to deploy approximately 6,000 cameras by the end of 2021.
“Our agents and officers serve the public and protect our borders every day with great skill and professionalism,” CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller said in a statement. “Providing them with state-of-the-art technology and tools like body-worn cameras will support their work and provide greater transparency into interactions between CBP officers and agents and the public.”
The cameras are about the size of a deck of playing cards and will be worn on the front of law enforcement official’s uniforms, according to CBP.
They continuously record video footage but only store the video recorded two minutes before an official activates the camera.
The cameras will be used to review incidents where officials have to use physical force and in investigations into misconduct, according to the agency.
Border Patrol officials across both the northern and southern borders will receive the equipment in phases, according to CBP. Eventually, the technology will expand to certain Office of Field Operations ports of entry locations across the U.S.
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