Video control at the border: from now on, all customs officers will work with body cameras
22 May 01:51
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the procedure for the use of individual portable video cameras by customs officials at all checkpoints. From now on, body cameras will become an integral tool in the work of customs officers in the exercise of their official powers and physical inspections of goods at all checkpoints that are provided with the appropriate equipment. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the State Customs Service of Ukraine.
Pilot project: successful start in Rava-Ruska
It all started in November 2023, when a pilot project on the use of body cameras was launched at the Rava-Ruska checkpoint on the border with Poland.
The results of the pilot are impressive:
- customs clearance was accelerated;
- budget revenues increased by 36%;
- conflicts and risks of corruption were reduced.
Based on this experience, the government decided to scale up the project to all Ukrainian checkpoints.
What does the new video control system provide for?
According to the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine “On Amendments to the Resolution of June 8, 2016 No. 370,” a multi-level video surveillance system is being introduced at all checkpoints. It combines stationary cameras with individual body cameras worn by customs officers.
Key features of the system:
- Instant data transfer: Video recordings from the body cameras are transmitted to the monitoring center in real time, which ensures prompt response and centralized control.
- Protection against manipulation: The cameras’ technical characteristics make it impossible to delete or edit recordings, guaranteeing their authenticity.
- Night mode operation: Body cameras effectively record events even in the dark.
Advantages of body cameras for customs control
The introduction of body cameras at all checkpoints has a number of significant advantages that contribute to the efficiency and transparency of the customs service:
- Combating smuggling: Video surveillance helps to identify the causes and conditions that contribute to customs rules violations and promptly eliminate them.
- Prevention of abuse: Permanent recording of customs officers’ actions reduces the risk of abuse and corruption schemes.
- Protection of employees: Body cameras provide an objective evidence base that protects customs officers from unfounded accusations.
- Transparency and trust: Video recordings create conditions for open interaction between the customs service and citizens.
What does the State Customs Service say?
Head of the State Customs Service of Ukraine Serhiy Zvyagintsev emphasized the importance of the innovation:
“The use of body cameras by customs officers is not just about recording events. It is a tool for quick analytics, quality control and the formation of an objective evidence base. With body cameras, every action is clear, every decision is reasoned,” emphasized the head of the State Customs Service, Serhiy Zvyagintsev.
