The Obama administration on Monday announced millions in grant money to help police departments across the country purchase body-worn cameras.
The Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs awarded more than $23.2 million in funds to 73 local and tribal agencies in 32 states to expand the use of body-worn cameras perform further research.
Departments receiving the awards of $1 million include Chicago, Detroit, San Antonio, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. Among the cities passed over for grants were Indianapolis, Des Moines and Tallahassee.
The pilot program announced in May includes $19.3 million to purchase the devices, $2 million for training and technical assistance and $1.9 million to examine the impact of their use.
President Obama pledged earlier this year make it possible for law enforcement agencies to purchase 50,000 body-worn cameras within three years.
"This vital pilot program is designed to assist local jurisdictions that are interested in exploring and expanding the use of body-worn cameras in order to enhance transparency, accountability and credibility," Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch said. "The impact of body-worn cameras touches on a range of outcomes that build upon efforts to mend the fabric of trust, respect and common purpose that all communities need to thrive."
The grants require a 50/50 in-kind or cash match and can be used to purchase equipment and require that applicants establish an implementation plan and training policy before purchasing the devices. Each agency that has been awarded a grant is responsible for developing a plan for long-term storage, including the future costs of storing data.
Tthe Bureau of Justice Assistance's Smart Policing Initiative also will support police departments in Miami, Milwaukee and Phoenix to examine the impact of body-worn cameras on citizen complaints, internal investigations, privacy, community relationships and cost effectiveness. Each of the departments will partner with a research institution to conduct the research.
