2021 Body Camera grant WCPD

This grant request is to implement a new, comprehensive Body Worn Camera (BWC) system in the West Covina Police Department, with anticipated outcomes of reducing uses of force, reducing internal investigations, reducing citizen complaints, and ultimately, building trust between law enforcement and the community.  The primary service area is the City of West Covina (population 106,000), located in eastern Los Angeles County--however, our Officers often travel to other jurisdictions in the County, offering assistance and mutual aid to other public safety agencies.  All residents of West Covina (and the other jurisdictions that our Officers travel to in the County) will benefit from the deployment of BWC technology.  When both police and citizens know that video of their encounters are being recorded, it can serve to temper and calm citizens, while also prompting police officers to constantly act in a professional and accountable manner.  This enhances officer safety and the safety of citizens, and ultimately builds trust.  This grant request is for 100 body-worn cameras, and the supporting hardware/software/storage associated with those cameras.  West Covina will pay a 1-to-1 match, using federal equitable sharing funds.