The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE Department of Immigration yesterday announced the trial acquisition of a suite of surveillance equipment to bolster its enforcement services.

The suite, on loan to the department for a 21-day period, includes eight I303 radios, one full-service dash-camera device and four body-camera systems.

Immigration Director Clarance Russell said the equipment, once put to use, will not only ensure the safety of officers and those with whom they interact, but will also ensure the accountability and integrity of the department.

Mr Russell said: “As the world progresses and the issues become more confrontational, it is our endeavour to move to the next level. Immigration is no exception.”

“We are obligated,” he said, “to make certain that our officers are safe when they enter the street. In addition, in this era of accountability, we expect and place accountability at the doorsteps of our officers.”

Mr Russell added: “We will continue to do our duty without fear or favour, malice or ill-will; we will treat all persons who we come into contact with, with the greatest degree of respect.”

To that end, Mr Russell said the Department of Immigration agreed to operate, on a trial basis, the set of equipment.

“I invite my colleagues in other places who are in law enforcement to take initiatives that I have seen others in other places have done, to make sure that their officers are safe. But more importantly, to make sure that there is the era of accountability for everyone.”

Mr Russell added: “I think you can see globally that this is the direction in which law enforcement is going, and certainly the immigration services are no exception. So we are being proactive in attempting to get ahead of the race so that the questions of what you are doing; are you being held accountable; how safe is the public when we interact with them and our customers. And that will no longer be an issue that is up in the air.”

The equipment presented yesterday was offered to the department by Paracom, a Bahamian security firm.

An official from the firm indicated that cameras offered to the department feature a “tamper proof” mechanism that prohibits any attempt to delete or amend any video recorded.

Additionally, the cameras are equipped with a night vision feature, anti-shock mechanisms and is splash proof.

The cameras feed videos into a live database that can, if the option is selected, identify any person the officer comes into contact with. The feature allows the department to research and address matters as they happen.

The I303 radio system also operates on a global platform, allowing officers to access its service at any location around the world while maintaining a secured network.

Officials said the devices will be rotated between officers in New Providence and Grand Bahama during the trial period, and upon review, recommendations will be made to the government to secure equipment for officers throughout the country.

Mr Russell noted such a purchase would be put to tender, for other companies to competitively bid, adding that the department was open to presentations.