Homeland Security Announces New Body Cameras Policy for Its 9 Agencies

Photo: Shutterstock

By Steve Neavling

The Department of Homeland Security announced on Tuesday that all nine of its law enforcement agencies are adopting a new body-worn camera policy. 

Federal law enforcement agents will be required to wear body cameras when responding to emergency calls, executive search warrants, or making pre-planned arrests.

The agencies have 180 days to draft and issue their own body camera policies that meet or exceed the requirements created by Homeland Security. 

Some agencies have already begun using body cameras. CBP, for example, has issued 7,000 body cameras since August 2021. 

ICE conducted a pilot program for Homeland Security Investigations special agents who are members of special response teams in Houston and El Paso, New York City and Newark. Enforcement and Removal Operations officers have also begun wearing the cameras in Atlanta, Salt Lake City and Indianapolis. 

“Our ability to secure the homeland rests on public trust, which is built through accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in our law enforcement practices,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a statement. “Today’s policy announcement is designed to advance these essential values. Requiring the use of body-worn cameras by our law enforcement officers and agents is another important step DHS is making to bring our law enforcement workforce to the forefront of innovation, and to further build public trust and confidence in the thousands of dedicated and professional law enforcement officers at DHS.” 

Leave a Reply