Report that U.S. Border Patrol testing the use of body cameras at nine of its locations

Date Announced
May 1, 2018
Press reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection begins testing the use of body 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]
View Policy Document
Subsequent Action
September 23, 2020
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 sector on the northern border.
CBP awards contract for agent body cameras

Status: Reported

Type of Action: Change in Practice

Subject Matter: Border

Agencies Affected: CBP

Prior Policies

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