Body cameras now compulsory for customs officers

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has made the wearing of body cameras mandatory for customs officers operating in frontline areas at international airports, wharves and transit sheds and during law enforcement exercises. In a notice issued on Friday, the GRA said the measure is part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in the execution of customs duties.

According to the agency, officers are now required to wear the devices while performing official duties, with the initiative also aimed at facilitating evidence collection and improving public confidence in the customs system. The GRA said the use of body cameras is expected to support smoother processing of passengers and the examination and release of goods. “This is aligned with customs modernisation efforts over the last few years and is expected to improve customs efficiency and ensure compliance with the trade, tax, and border laws while simultaneously improving professionalism and providing audio-visual evidence of incidents that may be needed for further investigations,” the notice stated.

The authority also noted that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been implemented to govern the management, retention and storage of recorded footage. Members of the public were advised to contact the office of the Comptroller on 227-6060 extensions 2301-03 and 3201-10 for clarification or to report abuse of the system. The move comes amid a push by law enforcement to increase the use of technology and digital systems within law enforcement agencies. Earlier this week, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken disclosed that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has deployed more than 5300 body-worn cameras across police divisions nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and evidence-based policing. Speaking during a recent episode of Police Roundup, Hicken said technology has become central to modern policing and revealed that body cameras are being used during patrols, stop-and-search operations and other frontline engagements. According to the Police Commissioner, the devices provide an objective record of interactions while also protecting officers and members of the public.
The expanded use of body cameras by both the GPF and Customs authorities forms part of broader state efforts to modernise operations, improve accountability and strengthen public trust through the use of technology.