Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies

The Memphis Police Department (MPD) seeks funding through the BJA FY23 Body-worn Camera
Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies. MPD’s proposed project aims to equip 2,200 sworn officers with BWCs and establish a comprehensive BWC program to enhance transparency and accountability in policing. The program will include policies and procedures for BWC activation, video management, privacy protections, officer training, and community outreach. The project will also establish performance measures to assess the impact of the BWC program on officer behavior, citizen complaints, and public trust. MPD’s project will help strengthen the department's commitment to constitutional policing and build stronger relationships with the communities it serves. Additionally, MPD will seek TTA from BJA to strengthen its policies, procedures, and practices regarding utilization of its BWC program in the furtherance of priority areas of focus, to include the following: investigations of deaths of individuals while in custody, recruiting and retaining diverse and service-oriented law enforcement professionals, collecting and reporting use of force and misconduct data, improving community and law enforcement dialogue, responding to individuals in mental health crisis or with disabilities, the proper and responsible use of technology, restrictions on unannounced entries and certain restraints, addressing implicit bias, restricting the use of militarized equipment, broader criminal justice reform, and officer wellness and mental health.