border patrol car

Border Patrol May Give Body Cameras To Agents at Certain Checkpoints

Customs and Border Protection is asking vendors to describe their ability to provide body cameras, video management, facial recognition technology and more.

Border agents may be given body cameras capable of recording their interactions with the public, according to a recent request for information (RFI) issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency. 

The agency is asking vendors to describe their capabilities in bringing together three components to support an incident-driven video recording system (IDVRS): body worn cameras, software for video management and redaction, and cloud storage management. Vendors have until Oct. 31 to respond to the request. 

In the RFI, CBP said it envisions a targeted deployment of body cameras at checkpoints set up on the border between ports of entry. These checkpoints typically have limited video recording and IT infrastructure in place, NextGov reported.

“CBP is considering a targeted deployment of IDVRS to select known interdiction points where fixed camera systems do not record agent interactions with the public,” the agency wrote. “CBP will prioritize locations based on operational need.”

Some of the agency’s requirements include cameras that can be turned on and off manually with a 30-second buffer period to capture events that happened prior to the agent turning a camera on, according to NextGov. Recording devices should be able to capture and store video for 12 hours at a time. 

In addition, the agency is requiring vendors to allow authorized users to redact identifiable information within the system. That system must have the ability to track user activity in order to prevent abuse of the alteration capability. 

Most footage collected through the program would be stored in CBP-owned data servers, but the agency is also interested in cloud storage for video that requires long-term retention, which CBP classifies as longer than two years. Agency users would also require a cloud storage platform for files that are frequently accessed, according to the RFI memo. 

CBP also requests that vendors describe their facial recognition capabilities. The agency runs a facial recognition program at airports and other entry points into the U.S. and may expand into body cameras if this initiative goes forward, according to the memo. 

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • AI to Help Resolve Non-Emergency Calls Across Utah and Decrease 911 Caller Wait Times

    The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, recently announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI. Read Now

  • Report: 2025 Video Surveillance Market Set to Grow After Small Decline in 2024

    Novaira Insights has unveiled its latest report, “World Market for Video Surveillance Hardware and Software – 2025 Edition.” The research indicates that the global market for video surveillance hardware and software experienced a slight decline of 0.3% in 2024. This performance fell short of previous forecasts, primarily due to a significant decrease of 7.8% in the Chinese market. Conversely, the rest of the world saw a growth of 4.9%. The global market for video surveillance equipment was estimated to be worth $25.0 billion in 2024. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Local Governments Face Surge in Ransomware Attacks with Minimal Resources

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, recently released new research highlighting the critical cybersecurity challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The report details how government organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals while simultaneously facing severe resource constraints. Read Now

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.