Purchase of 97 body-worn cameras and implementation of a body-worn camera system.

DOJ grant assistance is requested to expand a BWC program, initially implemented in 2016, in a county of approximately 150,000 persons experiencing a concerning increase in violent crime. This program will address the safety and accountability of both law enforcement and the community. The purpose of the funding is to develop a comprehensive, data-driven, evidence-based BWCPIP heavily reliant upon input from the community and justice stakeholders. The primary activities of the project will include work sessions with the DOJ TTA provider to review and potentially incorporate additional policy or procedures into our program as well as the purchase of additional BWCs and digital media storage to fulfill a shortage of 97 BWCs needed for allocation to every law enforcement officer in the agency. We will meet with and educate community justice stakeholders and formalize the process of sharing BWC media for the efficient adjudication of cases, provide education classes, and attain feedback from the community on our proposed program expansion. The expected result is an informed community fully invested in the valuable outcomes of law enforcement and citizen accountability, transparency, utilization of BWC media in law enforcement training, and greater safety of not only law enforcement but also all community members.