The Justice Department announced Wednesday that federal law enforcement agents would now be equipped with body-worn cameras during planned on-duty operations, hoping to promote transparency and build trust with the community.
Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in Phoenix and Detroit were the first to be outfitted with the technology. Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) will begin using the technology in the coming weeks.
The department said it would rely on Congress to provide funds to equip federal officers with body-worn cameras across the country.
“Keeping our communities safe is a top priority for the Justice Department. Law enforcement is at its most effective when there is accountability and trust between law enforcement and the community,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said. “That is why we have expanded our body-worn camera program to our federal agents, to promote transparency and confidence.”
Leadership at the various federal agencies voiced their support for the added technology. Agents will be required to wear cameras during pre-planned arrests or warrant executions. In addition, if someone is hurt while law enforcement is on the job, the department said it would release recordings that show the incident “as soon as practical.”
“Because there are circumstances where the use of force may occur during planned law enforcement operations, we are committed to the use of body-worn cameras by DOJ law enforcement agents in such circumstances,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “I am confident that these policies will continue to engender the trust and confidence of the American people in the department’s work.”
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