Officers of the law around the world are increasingly being outfitted with body-worn cameras (BWCs). This technology can offer unprecedented transparency and accountability, strengthen community and officer safety, and improve law enforcement agencies' ability to provide effective and efficient public safety. Yet, the financial cost of acquiring, deploying, and maintaining these systems can be a significant barrier for many departments - big and small.

That's where grants are stepping in. 2019 saw a considerable increase in these opportunities to help agencies outfit their forces with this crucially important tech. Let's dive into the world of police body cameras grants and see what 2019 brought us.

BJA's Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program

One of the primary fund sources for police departments nationwide looking to implement body-worn cameras has been the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). Their Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program provides millions of dollars each year to eligible law enforcement organizations. In 2019, this grant was flexibly structured to allow departments to either establish new BWC programs or to expand their existing ones.

2019 BWCPI Program: The Breakdown

According to the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the 2019 BWCPI Program funded approximately $18 million towards the acquisition of body-worn cameras. However, unlike the previous years, the 2019 BWCPI grants came with essential changes to policy requirements, focusing on comprehensive BWC strategies with robust training regimes and assessments. These upgraded requirements aimed to ensure the successful and sustainable adoption of body-worn camera technology across police departments.

Other Sources of Federal Funding

In addition to the BWCPI, various other federal programs provided grants for body cameras in 2019. The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) offered millions of dollars in funding towards advancing policing practices across the country, including the deployment of BWC technology.

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) was one of these opportunities. Known as the cornerstone of federal justice funding, the JAG allowed jurisdictions to use funds for multiple criminal justice purposes, including body-worn cameras.

COPS Office Grants

The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office provided several grant programs in 2019 to cover the cost of basic police equipment and training, including body-worn cameras. Programs such as the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) and Community Policing Development (CPD) Microgrants offered opportunities to apply funds toward body camera programs.

State and Local Grant Programs

Furthermore, many state and local jurisdictions offered their grant programs to support body-camera adoption in their local police departments. For example, the State of New York implemented a multi-million dollar grant program to assist local law enforcement agencies in purchasing body-worn cameras. The State of California, likewise, allocated millions of dollars specifically for new and smaller police departments to outfit their staff with body-worn cameras.

Private Funding Opportunities

Private organizations have also been instrumental in contributing towards BWC implementation. Organizations such as the Laura and John Arnold Foundation and The Motorola Solutions Foundation provided grant opportunities in 2019 for police departments nationwide. The goal was to reduce the financial burden of implementing BWC initiatives and to aid in the creation of comprehensive policies surrounding their deployment and use.

As police departments continue to navigate the technology and policy landscape of body-worn cameras, funding opportunities like those highlighted in 2019 can be game changers. From federal BJA programs to state and local grants, and even private funding sources, the path to implementation is made more accessible. It serves as testament to the commitment to improve policing through technology, foster increased transparency and accountability, and ultimately enhance public safety in our communities. The journey through the past year reflects robust support and growth, and promises to usher law enforcement into a future where body cams are as commonplace as badges are today.

The year 2019 truly was a pivotal juncture in the recognition of the importance of body cameras in modern policing. The financial resources granted to law enforcement agencies underscore the commitment at all levels - federal, state, local, and private sector. This collective effort has helped and continues to assist our law enforcement bodies in acquiring and implementing the transformative BWC technology. The funding strides of 2019 have, without doubt, set the tone for the years ahead, paving the way to a future of enhanced transparency, accountability, and trust in law enforcement.