Digital In-car Cameras Project

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 county of Riley will use their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $11,867 to purchase two in-car camera systems for two patrol units. In-car camera recordings substantiate probable cause for traffic stops and offenses, record both suspect and officer actions, and document police pursuits. The digital recordings from in-car cameras can be stored on either disks or in a computer system's hard drive. Current court trends are requiring the department to store the VHS tapes for increasing periods of time. With a digital recording these can be duplicated, stored, and sent electronically.

NCA/NCF