Latest news with #BWCs
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
BSF troops at B'desh border get 5,000 body cameras to record deportations
The Border Security Force (BSF) is equipping its personnel at the India-Bangladesh border with around 5,000 body worn cameras (BWCs) to record arrests and pushback of illegal immigrants, smugglers' activities, and incidents of disagreement or attacks on its patrolling units, so that the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) cannot dispute them later, people familiar with the development said on Sunday. BSF troops at B'desh border get 5,000 body cameras to record deportations As many as 2,500 BWCs — small battery-powered digital video cameras with night-recording capability that BSF jawans will be outfitted to their uniform shirts or winter jackets and manually start recording — have already been handed over while 2,500 more will be sent in coming weeks, officers said. 'A decision to use body-worn cameras was taken particularly in the wake of increasing attacks by drug smugglers or anti-national elements and skirmishes with human traffickers or individuals looking to enter India illegally who then allege use of excess force by BSF. They will help improve officers' safety, having electronic evidence, record stop and frisk procedures of patrolling units, and help reduce complaints by individuals and BGB at the border,' said an officer. The border guarding force's data seen by HT suggests that there were 77 attacks on BSF personnel at the Indo-Bangladesh border in 2024, while 35 such attacks have been recorded till June 30 this year. Besides, increasing incidents of unauthorised persons trying to enter India or leave for Bangladesh in the last couple of years have also been recorded. For instance, BSF apprehended 2,425 incoming and 1,049 outcoming individuals at the Indo-Bangladesh border in 2024, a number which has been recorded at - 1,372 (incoming) and 3,536 (outgoing) between January 1 and July 15 this year. Police and border control agencies in several countries including the US Customs and Border Patrol, the UK's Metropolitan Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) of Canada, German and France police among others use BWCs in their daily operations. Other than BWCs, to create a robust data of illegal immigrants and their instant verification, BSF has also installed at its sensitive posts 'biometrics authentication systems' - which are linked with the Foreigners Identification Portal (FIP) of the Bureau of Immigration (BoI), a third officer cited above said. 'This is aimed at keeping records of illegal immigrants for future, so that they don't make another attempt (s),' he said. Over 2,500 illegal Bangladeshi nationals have been deported in the last few months via various crossings at the Indo-Bangladesh border, said the third officer. During the last director generals (DGs) level talks between BSF and BGB in Delhi from February 17-20 this year, BSF had pointed out to the other side the assaults or abuse on BSF personnel and Indian civilians by Bangladesh based criminals or miscreants. Both sides agreed to undertake combined efforts to bring down such incidents to absolute minimum by increasing coordinated patrols especially during late hours of nights to early morning in vulnerable areas and educating the border population regarding the sanctity of the international border, according to a statement issued by BSF in February. It was also agreed that both BSF and BGB will pursue and share real-time information and investigation reports of traffickers, and remain extra vigilant to curb such crimes, and help victims of human trafficking and facilitate their rescue and fastest rehabilitation as per law of the land. 'The BWCs are a precautionary measure in that direction and to avoid any untoward incident (s),' he said. India shares a 4,096 kms long border with Bangladesh, which touches West Bengal (2216.7 km), Assam (263 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Tripura (856 km) and Mizoram (318) km). The entire stretch consists of plains, riverine belts, hills and jungles; is heavily populated and is cultivated right up to the border. There are 1,113 Border Out Posts (BOPs) of the BSF on the entire border to deter trans-border criminals, infiltrators and the hostile elements from indulging in the activities of intrusion/ encroachment and border violations. BSF employs round the clock surveillance and patrolling and monitoring through observation posts, besides using border floodlighting, water crafts/boats and floating Border Out Posts (BOPs) for domination of riverine areas. A major challenge, according to the first officer, at this border is 'its terrain'. 'Construction of fencing in certain stretches on this border due to riverine or low lying areas, habitations close to the border, and floods during monsoons makes it difficult to fence the entire border. Out of 4,096 kms long border, only 3,196 kms is fenced. The over 850 km long border is not feasible to be fenced,' he said.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
BSF equips its personnel at Indo-Bangla border with body worn cameras
New Delhi: The Border Security Force (BSF) has equipped its personnel at the Indo-Bangladesh border with body worn cameras (BWCs) to record arrests and pushback of illegal immigrants, smugglers' activities, and incidents of disagreement or attacks on its patrolling units, so that the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) cannot dispute them later, people familiar with the development said. India shares a 4,096 kms long border with Bangladesh (Representational image) As many as 2,500 BWCs - small battery-powered digital video cameras with night-recording capability that will be fitted to the jawans' uniform shirts or winter jackets - have already been handed over to the BSF bordermen while 2,500 more will be sent in coming weeks, officers said. 'A decision to use body-worn cameras was taken particularly in the wake of increasing attacks by drug smugglers or anti-national elements and skirmishes with human traffickers or individuals looking to enter India illegally who then allege use of excess force by BSF. They will help improve officers' safety, having electronic evidence, record stop and frisk procedures of patrolling units, and help reduce complaints by individuals and BGB at the border,' said an officer. The border guarding force's data seen by HT suggests that there were 77 attacks on BSF personnel at the Indo-Bangladesh border in 2024, while 35 such attacks have been recorded till June 30 this year. Besides, increasing incidents of unauthorised persons trying to enter India or leave for Bangladesh in the last couple of years have also been recorded. For instance, BSF apprehended 2,425 incoming and 1,049 outgoing individuals at the Indo-Bangladesh border in 2024, a number which has been recorded at - 1,372 (incoming) and 3,536 (outgoing) between January 1 and July 15 this year. Police and border control agencies in several countries including the US Customs and Border Patrol, the UK's Metropolitan Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) of Canada, German and France police among others use BWCs in their daily operations. Other than BWCs, to create a robust data of illegal immigrants and their instant verification, BSF has also installed at its sensitive posts 'biometrics authentication systems' - which are linked with the Foreigners Identification Portal (FIP) of the Bureau of Immigration (BoI), a third officer cited above said. 'This is aimed at keeping records of illegal immigrants for future, so that they don't make another attempt (s),' he said. Over 2,500 illegal Bangladeshi nationals have been deported in the last few months via various crossings at the Indo-Bangladesh border, said the third officer. During the last director generals (DGs) level talks between BSF and BGB in Delhi from February 17-20 this year, BSF had pointed out to the other side the assaults or abuse on BSF personnel and Indian civilians by Bangladesh based criminals or miscreants. Both sides agreed to undertake combined efforts to bring down such incidents to absolute minimum by increasing coordinated patrols especially during late hours of nights to early morning in vulnerable areas and educating the border population regarding the sanctity of the international border, according to a statement issued by BSF in February. It was also agreed that both BSF and BGB will pursue and share real-time information and investigation reports of traffickers, and remain extra vigilant to curb such crimes, and help victims of human trafficking and facilitate their rescue and fastest rehabilitation as per law of the land. 'The BWCs are a precautionary measure in that direction and to avoid any untoward incident (s),' he said. India shares a 4,096 kms long border with Bangladesh, which touches West Bengal (2216.7 km), Assam (263 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Tripura (856 km) and Mizoram (318) km). The entire stretch consists of plains, riverine belts, hills and jungles; is heavily populated and is cultivated right up to the border. There are 1,113 Border Out Posts (BOPs) of the BSF on the entire border to deter trans-border criminals, infiltrators and the hostile elements from indulging in the activities of intrusion/ encroachment and border violations. BSF employs round the clock surveillance and patrolling and monitoring through observation posts, besides using border floodlighting, water crafts/boats and floating Border Out Posts (BOPs) for domination of riverine areas. A major challenge, according to the first officer, at this border is 'its terrain'. 'Construction of fencing in certain stretches on this border due to riverine or low lying areas, habitations close to the border, and floods during monsoons makes it difficult to fence the entire border. Out of 4,096 kms long border, only 3,196 kms is fenced. The over 850-km-long border is not feasible to be fenced,' he said.
New Straits Times
17-06-2025
- New Straits Times
10,000 new body cameras to enhance police surveillance
KUALA LUMPUR: Police are looking to expand the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) in a two-pronged initiative, beginning with the procurement of 10,000 more units. At present, 7,648 BWCs have already been deployed. The second step in the expansion plan is the purchase of 17,648 SIM cards for all the devices that will be in use to enable real-time monitoring of police operations. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said to expand the implementation of the BWC initiative, police had submitted a proposal under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to procure another 10,000 BWC units. "The SIM cards will also be integrated with the BWC devices, allowing for 'live-stream' monitoring of assignments in the field," he told the New Straits Times. Razarudin added that the move was in line with the force's commitment to increase transparency, integrity and public confidence in the effectiveness of policing in the digital era. He said the use of BWC had so far proven to be a highly effective in enhancing integrity and accountability of the force. "These devices continuously record all activities during assignments, thus enabling every action taken by police in the field to be monitored more transparently and objectively. "BWC recordings serve as crucial evidence in evaluating any complaints or allegations of misconduct. "In cases of procedural violations, the footage can be used as the basis for internal investigations, disciplinary actions or legal proceedings." Before the use of BWCs, Razarudin said, there were no live recordings to support or refute claims. Their presence had reduced opportunities for manipulation and improved public confidence in police professionalism, he added. He said BWCs encouraged self-regulation among policemen and compliance with the standard operating procedure (SOP). "Overall, the implementation of BWCs is part of Bukit Aman's efforts to enhance transparency, reduce misconduct and strengthen public trust in the police. "The full BWC implementation is being carried out in phases based on officer deployment, logistical capacity and the alignment of supporting infrastructure, such as docking station systems and data storage." Razarudin said the initiative was in the strengthening phase, with full usage depending on logistical readiness and field training. He said BWCs were primarily used by patrol vehicle and motorcycle patrol units, traffic police and crime prevention patrols. "They are also used by personnel stationed at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman and other operational units that interact with the public." Razarudin said these units were selected based on operational needs and their level of exposure to high-risk situations to ensure the safety of personnel and the public. He said all video recordings were stored according to police SOP. "However, the SOP is classified under the Official Secrets Act and serve as an internal reference for the police. "Any request for a copy or the contents of the SOP is subject to procedures outlined under the Official Secrets Act and must be made through official application channels." Razarudin added that all BWC footage was stored for one month and would be reviewed if an issue or complaint were to arise. "Recordings deemed important for investigations or as evidence will be retained for a longer period, in line with established needs and guidelines. "The footage will also be reviewed if it is required as evidence in investigations, prosecutions or disciplinary proceedings." Previously, Razarudin had told the NST that policemen wearing BWCs must comply with the SOP and were not allowed to switch the devices off while on duty. The footage is stored via a docking station, which functions as a central data hub and automatically transfers all recordings captured during a policeman's shift. The station also charges the devices to ensure they are ready for the next deployment. Razarudin also said the procurement of additional devices would depend on funding approval and the force's strategic priorities. Last August, Razarudin had said all policemen on field assignments would be required to wear BWCs by year end.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Kiribati Accedes To The Biological Weapons Convention
Press Release – U.S. Department of State The BWC is critical to international efforts to address the threat posed by biological weapons, whether in the hands of State or non-State actors. Maximizing the BWCs effectiveness requires all States to become Parties and fully implement its obligations. MAY 20, 2025 The United States congratulates Kiribati, which deposited its instrument of accession to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) with the United States on May 20, 2025. In this 50th anniversary year of the BWC, the United States, as one of the treaty's depositary governments, recognizes and welcomes Kiribati's important decision to join the more than 180 other BWC States Parties in advancing the goal of complete elimination of biological weapons. With Kiribati's accession, all countries in the Asia Pacific region are now party to the BWC, increasing our collective security. The BWC is critical to international efforts to address the threat posed by biological weapons, whether in the hands of State or non-State actors. Maximizing the BWC's effectiveness requires all States to become Parties and fully implement its obligations. We strongly urge all States not party to the BWC to join the Convention without delay.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- The Hindu
RPF in Mysuru introduces body cameras to boost railway security
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Mysuru Railway Division has introduced Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) as a step towards modernising railway security The railway authorities said the introduction of these devices represents a significant move towards technology-driven policing, aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and evidence-based enforcement. The cameras are expected to play a crucial role during on-board escort duties, passenger interactions, and preventive field operations. In all, 20 BWCs were formally inducted into the RPF of Mysuru Division at a function held recently, and Mudit Mittal, Divisional Railway Manager, Mysuru; Sam Prashanth J.R., Senior Divisional Security Commissioner; and E.K. Anuj Kumar, Assistant Security Commissioner, were among those present. Mr. Mittal issued the BWCs to RPF personnel, signifying the division's commitment to empowering the force with cutting-edge technology, said the authorities. To ensure proper usage, a technical demonstration was conducted by the RPF personnel who explained the operational features, technical specifications, and real-time applications of the equipment. The railway authorities said the demonstration emphasized the BWCs' utility in improving documentation, deterring misconduct, and strengthening public trust in RPF operations. This initiative marks a significant step forward in the on-going efforts to modernize the RPF and further reinforce the safety and security of railway passengers, the railway authorities added.
