US border agency staff rejects body cameras

U.S. Customs and Border Protection staff concluded after an extensive internal review that the nation’s largest law enforcement agency should hold off on requiring agents and officers to wear body cameras.

The yearlong review cited cost and a host of other reasons. It said operating cameras might distract agents while they’re performing their jobs, and it might be unsuited for the hot, dusty conditions in which Border Patrol agents often work.

The Associated Press learned of the August findings from two people familiar with the report who spoke on condition of anonymity because they have not been made public.

The findings are subject to approval by Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske. They don’t rule out cameras in the future but say more analysis is needed before widespread use.