According to a press release issued by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on Friday, January 12, 2024, the state will allocate nearly $4.8 million in grant funding to support local law enforcement agencies in implementing and upgrading body-worn camera programs, marking a significant step toward enhancing transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
This grant will help 108 local enforcement agencies across the state as part of the third phase of the Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program.
According to the press release, 32 of these agencies will use the cash to start new body-worn camera programs, while the remaining 76 will focus on expanding or updating their existing technology.
In a press release, Governor DeWine emphasized the importance of body-worn cameras for the safety of both law enforcement officers and the general public, saying, “My administration is proud to support our police departments and sheriff’s offices with the cost of this equipment so that agencies big and small can outfit their peace officers with cameras.”
The Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program, which was launched in 2021, has already funded nearly 300 local enforcement departments.
Over 200 organizations received roughly $10 million in funding during the biennium 2022-2023.
The program will get an additional $10 million for the current biennium (2024-2025), with $5 million set aside for the following year.
The grant program, which is administered by Ohio’s Office of Criminal Justice Services, received $10.7 million in grant proposals for this cycle.
All qualifying organizations that applied for grants to create new body-worn camera programs were funded. The remaining money was directed to existing projects to upgrade equipment, expand storage capacity, or add record-keeping professionals.
Governor DeWine’s dedication to improving neighborhood safety is reflected in a number of programs implemented since 2019.
These include the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, the Ohio School Safety Center, the Ohio Office of Police Enforcement Recruitment, and a variety of additional initiatives designed to assist police enforcement in their essential role.