Bill > S578

This bill establishes a pilot program for Image Technician positions within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations, creating two distinct roles: Image Technician 1 and Image Technician 2. These positions will be filled by existing CBP employees, are not law enforcement positions, and cannot be filled by independent contractors. Image Technician 1 positions will focus on reviewing non-intrusive inspection images of vehicles and containers entering or exiting the United States, identifying potential anomalies related to contraband, unauthorized persons, or concealed merchandise. Image Technician 2 positions will perform similar duties but will also receive and report intelligence about tactics used by malign actors to illegally move goods or people across borders. Both positions will be assigned to one of five regional command centers and will be supervised by Supervisory CBP Officers who retain final decision-making authority. The technicians will receive annual training on privacy rights, image analysis, and identifying potential security threats, and will undergo annual performance assessments. The pilot program will last five years, after which participating employees may transfer to comparable positions within CBP or the Department of Homeland Security. The bill also requires semiannual reports to Congress detailing the program's implementation, performance, and impact on border security operations.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/578/all-info