Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections Body Worn Camera Initiative

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) is seeking funding to expand
and enhance its BWC pilot program. Currently, the DPS&C is piloting BWCs in all eight of its state
prison facilities with seven facilities having five pilot BWCs and one that has 40 BWCs for a full
deployment. Probation and Parole is currently piloting ten BWC units that are being utilized by tactical
teams in Covington, Alexandria, and Headquarters. However, due to budget constraints, the DPS&C is
not able to fully deploy the number of BWCs needed to cover all areas of concern; therefore, the
reason we are seeking funding is to expand camera use in all state prison facilities and Probation and
Parole Districts. The DPS&C is proposing to purchase 410 BWCs and distribute them to the seven
state prison facilities that are not fully deployed and to the Probation and Parole Districts for use. The
software for monitoring the cameras will be purchased by the DPS&C as part of the 50/50 match
requirement. The DPS&C feels that by providing BWCs in all of its state prison facilities and
Probation and Parole Districts, it would promote public safety, transparency, policy development,
generate digital evidence and enhance officer training and officer safety. If awarded funding under this
solicitation, the DPS&Cs BWC project will consist of a Project Management Team lead by the
Information Technology Director and the Probation and Parole Deputy Director, including other key
members that will consist of managers and directors from various departments and command staff. In
addition to the PMT, the DPS&C will hire two staff to monitor the BWCs for Probation and Parole
and the state prison facilities to ensure that the project is fully deployed and monitored appropriately.