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Original Date Announced
May 1, 2018Press reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection begins testing the use of body-worn cameras by its employees at nine locations, potentially leading to a broad rollout by the nation's largest law enforcement agency that would make it the first federal agency to use the devices on a large scale. [ID #322]
US News- US Border Agency Tests Body-Cam Use by Agents in 9 LocationsSubsequent Trump-Era and Court Action(s)
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September 23, 2020
CBP awards contract for agent body cameras
U.S. Customs & Border Protection has signed a $13 million contract with Axon Enterprises Inc. to equip 3,800 U.S. Border Patrol agents with body cameras and connection to a cloud-based digital-evidence platform. This Incident-Driven Video Recording System (IDVRS) will enhance transparency and accountability with the public, while providing additional documentation during enforcement incidents. Beginning next spring, the IDVRS will be deployed in phases to the following USBP sectors: San Diego, Yuma, Tucson, El Paso, Big Bend, Del Rio, Rio Grande Valley, and Swanton on the northern border.
Go to article on cbp.gov
Biden Administration Action: Approved/Retained
August 4, 2021CBP Agents and Officers Begin Use of Body-Worn Cameras
This Biden administration policy continues the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.
On August 4, 2021, CBP issued a media release announcing that it had begun outfitting some agents and officers with body-worn cameras. This targeted deployment of body-worn cameras is reportedly "a first step toward broader implementation." CBP plans to deploy around 6,000 cameras by the end of 2021.
Go to article on cbp.govBiden Administration Action: Approved/Retained
August 6, 20212021.08.06 CBP DIRECTIVE 4320-030B - Incident-Driven Video Recording System
This Biden administration policy expands upon the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.
On August 6, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) established the responsibilities and procedures for the use of Incident-Driven Video Recording Systems (IDVRS), including vehicle, non-integrated vessel, and body-worn camera systems by CBP personnel. CBP authorized the use of IDVRS to collect audio and video recordings of interactions between CBP Officers, Border Patrol Agents, or Air and Marine Agents and the public.
CBP body-worn camera footage releases are collected at: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/accountability-and-transparency/body-worn-camera-video-releases
View DocumentBiden Administration Action: Approved/Retained
May 23, 20232023.05.23 DHS Announces First Department-Wide Policy on Body-Worn Cameras
This Biden administration policy expands upon the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.
On May 23, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security announced the first Department-wide policy on Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) for its law enforcement officers and agents. The Department’s plan will include a phased implementation of BWCs while working with Congress to secure the necessary funding to equip agents nationwide with BWCs. Within 180 days, DHS agencies and offices will draft and issue, or update, their own individual BWC policies that meet or exceed the requirements set forth in the Department-wide policy.
View DocumentBiden Administration Action: Approved/Retained
January 12, 20242024.01.12 ICE announces updated policy for body-worn cameras
This Biden administration policy expands upon the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.
On January 12, 2024, ICE announced updated guidance for its law enforcement personnel, providing standards for the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs). The policy calls for the use of BWCs in all aspects of ICE enforcement activities conducted by ICE personnel. ICE is working to secure the resources required to ensure full implementation of the new policy, which built on a 2021 pilot announcement: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/foia/dro_policy_memos/19010.1_AuthorizingBodyWornCameraPilot_20211006.pdf.
View DocumentCurrent Status
Fully in EffectMost Recent Action
January 12, 2024 Action: Approved/Retained 2024.01.12 ICE announces updated policy for body-worn camerasAugust 4, 2021Acted on by Biden Administration
August 6, 2021Acted on by Biden Administration
May 23, 2023Acted on by Biden Administration
January 12, 2024Acted on by Biden Administration
Original Trump Policy Status
Status: ReportedTrump Administration Action: Change in PracticeSubject Matter: BorderAgencies Affected: CBPPre Trump-Era Policies
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August 1, 2015
Customs and Border Protection previously concluded in 2015 after a yearlong study that body cameras were not yet suitable for widespread use due to cost, technological challenges, and the need for labor union approval. However, it said the cameras had potential in limited circumstances.
Body-Worn Camera Feasibility Study
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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New Policy
Original Source:
US border agency tests body-cam use by agents in 9 locations
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Prior Policy
Original Source:
Body-Worn Camera Feasibility Study Report
Biden Administration Policy Documents
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Biden Administration Action
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Biden Administration Action
Original Source:
CBP DIRECTIVE 4320-030B - Incident-Driven Video Recording System
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Biden Administration Action
Original Source:
DHS Announces First Department-Wide Policy on Body-Worn Cameras
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Biden Administration Action
Original Source:
ICE announces updated policy for body-worn cameras