The Department of Justice on Monday awarded over $20 million in funds to 106 law enforcement agencies nationwide to assist in establishing body camera programs.
The grants are intended to help law enforcement implement body camera policies, practices and evaluation methods.
The Office of Justice Programs' Bureau of Justice Assistance's Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program awarded more than $16 million to 106 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, as well as a $3 million supplemental award to continue support for body-worn camera training and technical assistance.
An additional $474,000 was awarded earlier this year under the 2016 Small Agency Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program.
"As we strive to support local leaders and law enforcement officials in their work to protect their communities, we are mindful that effective public safety requires more than arrests and prosecutions," Attorney General Lynch said in a statement. "It also requires winning – and keeping -- the trust and confidence of the citizens we serve. These grants will help more than 100 law enforcement agencies promote transparency and ensure accountability, clearing the way for the closer cooperation between residents and officers that is so vital to public safety."
The DOJ's body camera grant program was created last year following a recommendation by President Obama's Task Force on 21st Century Policing that law enforcement agencies use technology to strengthen relations with communities.
The awardees include law enforcement agencies located in 32 states and Puerto Rico.