To curb complaints of abuse and use of excessive force, the U.S. Border Patrol started to test the use of body cameras for its agents in the field. Results of the pilot test would determine if the cameras would eventually be standard equipment for border agents.

Reuters reports that the pilot test period would be until the middle of 2015. The three dozen agents who are using the body cameras have volunteered to wear it. They are assigned in airports, inland posts and sea ports.

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In the coming months, more agents will try the device in other states such as Texas, Florida, Washington and Michigan.

The cameras, worth US$200 to US$1,000 each, could be worn on the chest or head.

The gadget, said Benjamin Huffman, deputy chief of the Border Patrol's El Paso, Texas, sector, "will allow the American public to look over our shoulder while we're working," quotes AP.

A rights advocacy group welcomed the use of the cameras as a step forward, but Chris Rickerd, policy counsel of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), points out, "they are not a complete solutions to CBP's troubling track record of excessive force and other abuses."

Over the past few years, groups like the ACLU have brought to the public attention alleged physical and sexual assault on border crossers, which had resulted in deaths of would-be migrants.

While those who support the use of cameras believe the device provides an objective record of police encounters, especially those that involve contradictions, those against its use think it has privacy and legal issues such as when should the recorder button be clicked or not.

Officials will study any unforeseen legal issues or privacy concerns that would arise after the 90-day pilot test period, said U.S. Border Patrol Chief Donna Twyford.

Tagsbody cameras, border patrols