Blount County Sheriff's Department BWC Project

The Blount County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) in north central Alabama seeks to expand its Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program (BWC PIP). While patrol officers already utilize body-worn cameras (BWCs), this initiative represents a new effort for corrections staff. BCSO plans to purchase 30 BWCs with a total project cost of $59,992 requesting $29,996 in federal funding with a matching contribution from the county. Serving a population of 59,816 across 651 square miles, the BCSO employs 88 personnel, including 54 sworn deputy sheriffs. The Blount County Correctional Facility (BCCF) houses an average of 174 inmates daily and recorded 841 incidents in 2023, 567 of which could have benefited from BWC footage.

The program's primary objectives are to enhance transparency, accountability, and safety for officers, citizens, and inmates. Phase one focuses on stakeholder engagement, policy revision, and training. The BCSO will educate and seek feedback from the community and other stakeholders, such as the District Attorney and local government, ensuring comprehensive policy development and implementation. Revised policies will comply with legal standards and address privacy concerns, ensuring transparency and community partnership. All officers, supervisors, and relevant external agencies will receive training on the new policies and procedures.

Phase two involves procuring and deploying the BWCs. The BCSO will follow federal and local procurement guidelines, selecting cameras that best meet the department's needs. Twenty BCCF Corrections Officers and ten BCSO School Resource Officers (SROs) will be equipped with the new BWCs, and additional hands-on training will be provided upon issuance. Regular progress reports and guidance will be maintained with the TTA provider.

Phase three entails reviewing the program's effectiveness over two years. The BCSO will conduct annual policy and compliance reviews, using digital evidence management (DEM) to enhance criminal justice outcomes and safety. Regular BWC data reviews by BCSO administration will inform improvements in operations and safety. The program's impact will be measured by comparing complaints, use-of-force incidents, and successful prosecutions before and after BWC implementation.

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