Sheriff’s Office Body-Worn Camera Pilot Program

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and 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, including for any one or more of the following program areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

The County of Washington will use the FY 2015 JAG funds to support the implementation of the Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Pilot Program. The project goal is to improve public safety, reduce crime, and improve public trust between officers and the citizens throughout the County. Funds will be used to purchase approximately 25 body worn cameras and to pay for the initial year of a data storage service plan. During the pilot project, the County will develop appropriate privacy policies and operational procedures as well as train officers and staff requiring access to evidence or data. NCA/NCF