Photo: Collected
The Armed Police Battalion (APBN) has embarked on a historic initiative at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) by introducing the use of body-worn cameras for its members on duty.
The primary objective behind employing body-worn cameras is to enhance passenger service and monitor the behaviour of APBN members towards passengers.
Currently, APBN members are carrying out their duties in various points of the airport while wearing body cameras. Although the decision for aircraft ground handling staff to commence duties with body-worn cameras has been contemplated, it has not been implemented yet.
Prior to this initiative, over 200 CCTV cameras were installed at different locations within the airport. Additionally, the police's specialised unit has established a Crisis Response Team (CRT) and a Dog Squad (K9) at the airport.
Ziaul Haque Palash, Additional Superintendent of Police at the Airport Armed Police Battalion, told The Daily Messenger, “Our foremost responsibility at the airport is to ensure 100 percent security. We have all the necessary resources in place to guarantee security. Moreover, we are actively working to prevent passenger harassment, theft of goods, and addressing instances where individuals inadvertently leave various items at the airport; we aim to return these belongings to their rightful owners.”
He further explained, “The provision of body cameras serves the purpose of verifying whether our members are performing their duties appropriately and treating passengers with respect. It also helps us address complaints made by passengers against our members. The body cameras allow us to accurately monitor any deviations or errors in a member's conduct during duty.”
Currently, approximately 50 body cameras are utilised by members of the Airport APBN during each duty shift. APBN manages around 200 CCTV cameras at the airport. During their shifts, four APBN members are responsible for monitoring the CCTV feed, reporting the overall situation of the airport to higher officials continuously.
Abdul Wahid Khan, the contractor responsible for various development projects at the airport, commended APBN's initiative, saying that the use of body cameras is highly beneficial. He suggests extending this initiative to Civil Aviation Security Personnel (AVSEC) and aircraft personnel involved in loading and unloading. He believes that providing body cameras to airport staff will significantly reduce complaints related to baggage claims.
Shahjalal International Airport, once deemed one of the world's most dangerous airports with a third-category rating, faced scrutiny during the 10th Intelligence Conference on April 24, 2010. This event underscored the critical security situation at the country's airports, leading to the establishment of specialised police for Key Point Installation (KPI) security at airports. Consequently, on June 1 of the same year, armed police operations commenced at the airport.
Since assuming responsibility for airport security in 2010, the airport has successfully earned the trust of the public in maintaining order and security. Passengers no longer experience harassment, and APBN members have been instrumental in recovering and returning lost valuables to passengers. Instances of passengers being dragged or luggage mishandled are now nonexistent.
Currently, the Airport Armed Police operates with 1,180 members under the leadership of a commanding officer. This includes 11 officers holding the rank of BCS Assistant Superintendent of Police.
Messenger/Sun Yath
