Title
Consider a resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to the U.S. Department of Justice for Body-Worn Camera Pilot Implementation Program FY2015 Competitive Grant.
Body
The proposed grant application would seek $201,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice to support a total $402,000 project to implement the use of body-worn cameras by the Police Department's field personnel. Recent years have seen several high-profile incidents that have shaken the public's faith in law enforcement in communities across the country. With the increased demands nationwide for transparency, public trust, and accountability in policing, the Department seeks to implement body-worn cameras and necessary policies as part of its mission to provide public safety and help maintain a high quality of life for community.
The Justice Department program is offered through its Bureau of Justice Assistance to help fund the implementation of body-worn cameras in as many as sixteen departments our size across the country. The grant will cover the purchase of cameras but not the infrastructure and other auxiliary equipment. As part of the two-year program, the Department would conduct a public process for gaining input into the development of policy regarding the use of such cameras. The Department also would be required to develop partnerships with prosecution agencies regarding the use of such video.
The City's match would include staff time, travel to required conferences, and the cost of the video storage and maintenance infrastructure.
The Police Department currently is in a pilot project to test cameras from different vendors in the field.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends approval