In a significant move to enhance transparency and accountability, customs officers at Chennai International Airport have begun wearing body-worn cameras (BWCs) during their interactions with arriving international passengers. This initiative, directed by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), aims to objectively settle disputes and curb long-standing allegations of misconduct, extortion, or harassment by officials.
Addressing Past Complaints with Technology
The decision follows several high-profile incidents where passengers accused customs officials of rude behavior. Last year, social media was abuzz with complaints, and in some serious cases, the department was even dragged to court. Among the allegations were claims that women passengers were asked to remove their mangalsutra. To tackle these issues head-on and restore public trust, the CBIC mandated the use of body cameras for baggage clearance officers at major international airports across India.
Chennai is the second major airport after Bengaluru to implement these CBIC directives. The rollout has begun with eight cameras already distributed to officials on duty. The customs department is planning to procure an additional 16 cameras to ensure adequate coverage. A separate set of cameras is allocated for each shift to maintain continuous operation.
How the Body Camera System Will Work
Officers posted at the crucial red and green channels in the arrival terminal will wear these cameras. The devices will capture both video and, importantly, audio of the entire interaction between the officer and the passenger. This includes customs officials explaining rules and duty payable on declared items, as well as the passengers' reactions.
"So far, we depended on CCTV footage; now this will be additional evidence as it will record audio as well," explained a customs official. All recorded footage will be securely stored on a central server for a specified period.
A Tool for Accountability and Confidence
The primary purpose of this technological upgrade is to create an indisputable record of events. In case of any passenger complaint regarding an officer's conduct, senior officials can directly access the relevant footage from the server. This allows them to verify the accusations accurately and take a fair, evidence-based decision.
"Officers are advised to wear BWCs during all interactions with passengers within the airport," stated a customs official. "This aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public confidence in administration at international airports." The move is seen as a proactive step to protect both passengers from potential harassment and honest officers from false allegations, thereby fostering a more professional and trustworthy environment at one of South India's busiest airports.
