U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Thursday it needs more time to investigate body-worn cameras before possibly requiring the technology for its officers.
“We are committed to testing durable new cameras that may work with CBP’s operational requirements,” said CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske.
In the meantime, the agency plans to review existing fixed-camera infrastructure to determine if additional cameras should be set up around ports of entry.
The decision comes after an internal study found body-worn cameras are not ideal for rugged border environments, including extreme temperatures. The study also said the cameras could hurt morale.
Local immigrant rights groups reacted with frustration, releasing several statements calling on the agency to adopt body-worn cameras in response to allegations of excessive use of force.
The Southern Border Communities Coalition said at least 40 people have been killed in encounters with border patrol since 2010 and that none of the agents involved in those cases have been held accountable.
Last week, federal prosecutors said they lacked evidence to bring charges against border patrol agents involved in the Taser-related death of the immigrant Anastasio Hernández Rojas.
His widow, Maria Puga, launched a San Diego-based petition earlier this week asking President Obama to require body-worn cameras for border patrol officers and to discipline those involved in her husband's death.
