Funding

This program will fund law enforcement agencies seeking to purchase body-worn cameras (BWCs) to establish or expand comprehensive body-worn camera programs with a specific and demonstrated plan to implement this technology to maximize the benefits of BWCs.

This opportunity is for an organization that will manage the distribution of funds for body-worn cameras and related program expenses to small and rural law enforcement agencies. This organization will also provide necessary training and technical assistance for these agencies.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG), administered by BJA and authorized under Public Law 109-162 (see page 136), is the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. The JAG Program 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.

The Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program will support the implementation of body-worn camera (BWC) programs in law enforcement agencies across the country. The intent of the program is to help agencies develop, implement, and evaluate a BWC program as one tool in a law enforcement agency's comprehensive problem-solving approach to improve officer safety, enhance evidentiary value, and enhance officer interactions in ways that contribute to building community trust and facilitating cooperative engagements.

The fiscal year (FY) 2019 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program (BWC PIP) directly supports key priorities of the Department of Justice by promoting the safety of law enforcement officers and citizens and capturing an unbiased recording of police interactions with the public. BWCs can provide critical visual and audio records of interactions.