Soon, body-worn cameras for CISF personnel at IGI airport

NEWDELHI:THE Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport will soon deploy hi-tech body-worn cameras which will also be used as communication tools to send distress messages in times of urgency.

The force has ordered as many as 495 such devices out of which around 100 will be used at the Delhi airport.

Senior CISF officers told HT that during the trial of these body-worn cameras concluded recently, certain issues were detected.

After addressing these technical issues, the force ordered the devices which are expected to be much advanced, officers said.

“These cameras will also enable officers to communicate with other security personnel. One such device can be connected to at least 25 to 30 devices and can be converted into an audio communication tool. A distress message can be generated which will be delivered to all the connected devices,” the officer, not authorised to speak to the media, said.

CISF officers said once procured, these body-worn cameras will help keep a sharp eye on areas outside the main airport building efficiently as it is not possible to install CCTV cameras at all places.

“Our officers who patrol areas such as the taxiway, the apron or the runways will be able to record every movement (with these cameras). This would be immensely helpful. Also, the areas outside the terminals on the city side, such as the forecourt area, parking stands, the approach roads and taxi lanes will also be covered,” another officer, not authorised to speak to the media, added.

In January this year, the force had procured six of these cameras for a trial at Delhi and Mumbai airports.

Officers said that by and large the cameras were helpful and acted as deterrents towards unruly passengers.

“Passengers often noticed that their acts were being recorded after which they avoided arguing or fighting with our officers. However, there were certain issues detected. As these devices were of high definition and produce a heavy sized clip, storage became a task. Also, these clips could be played only on a device-compatible with software of the same company. The charging time of these cameras was also unusually high,” the officer said, adding that they expect these issues will be rectified in the new cameras.