Border Patrol to test wearing cameras amid questions about agents' use of force
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske poses for photos after ringing the New York Stock Exchange closing bell, Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014 file photo. Kerlikowske scheduled a news conference Thursday Sept. 18, 2014 in Washington to discuss what his office said were “developments toward CBP’s commitment to increase transparency and accountability.” (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) (The Associated Press)
The head of the Border Patrol's parent agency says a test of body-worn cameras for agents will begin next month as part of an effort to improve accountability and transparency.
Customs and Border Protection Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske said Thursday the government has purchased a variety of cameras to be used at the Border Patrol academy in Artesia, New Mexico, starting Oct. 1.
He isn't saying when or even if they will be introduced to the roughly 21,000 agents in the field.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Kerlikowske also says Customs and Border Protection is changing how misconduct allegations are investigated to speed up reviews. He is appointing an advisory panel headed by former Drug Enforcement Administration head Karen Tandy and New York Police Commissioner William Bratton.