Digital In-Car Video Cameras

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

The City of Columbia will utilize its Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award to provide the Columbia Police Department (CPD) resources to address public safety. To comply with state directives, CPD will purchase in-car cameras to present stronger evidence when confronting driving under the influence (DUI) situations. The state is strengthening DUI laws in an attempt to decrease the increasingly high number of fatalities on its roadways and is requiring all law enforcement agencies to videotape offenses at the incident site. It is anticipated that the equipment purchased will increase the number of DUI prosecutions and increase public safety.

NCA/NCF