Body cams to keep customs officials true

OFFICERS SAY THE CAMERA WILL RECORD THE AUDIO AS WELL AS VIDEO AND WILL HELP THEM DOCUMENT UNRULY PASSENGERS

NEWDELHI: After the central industrial security force (CISF), the customs department at the Delhi airport may soon adopt body cameras for their personnel. The move, officers said, is to deter passengers from resorting to violence and abuses, and to ensure their personnel follow decorum.

Officers say the camera that will record the audio as well as video and will help them document unruly passengers and also help reduce chances of corruption among customs’s personnel.

A customs officer said that the purchase of these cameras was proposed in a recent meeting with the commissioner.

The officer said there have been many cases in the past where the passengers suspected of smuggling would create ruckus when asked to submit for a thorough checking.

“They would not cooperate. In many case they have gotten violent and threaten our officers of dire consequences. A camera mounted on a customs officer’s uniform will be clearly visible to the passengers, and will be a deterrence for those trying to evade frisking,” the officer said, requesting anonymity.

The officer said, on the other hand, there have also been complaints from the passengers about customs officers trying to threaten them or manipulating them. “At times we also receive complaints from passengers alleging that some officer kept their valuables promising them no legal action and threatening them that they have brought in the item illegally. In the past there have also been complaints of misconduct from some women passengers. The camera that would also record the conversation of the officer and passenger will also be deterrence for any such officer,” he said.

When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Kalrav Mishra said the proposal is under consideration. He , however, said that the proposal is at a nascent stage and refused to comment further on the exact number of cameras to be procured and their specifications.