The Department of Justice (DOJ) has revealed that it has shelled out $23 million to fund the President's body camera pilot program.
The plan was to shell out $23 million in grants to the 32 states for the acquisition of these devices. The plan was first instigated by President Obama. The value of $19.3 million will be set aside to purchase the essential 50,000 cameras, while the $2 million is reserved for training and the remaining $1.9 million is designated to be used for conduct impact studies in Miami, Milwaukee and Phoenix.
This dynamic pilot program is intended to help local jurisdictions that are involved in exploring and expanding the use of body-worn cameras. The cameras will ensure enhancements, transparency, accountability and credibility, Engadget reported.
Also, US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in a statement that "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 federal grant will involve large departments like the Los Angeles Police Department, the Miami-Dade Police Department, the Detroit Police Department, the San Antonio Police Department, the Chicago Police Department and the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington D.C, where every department will receive $1 million each, requiring those agencies to match the grants with local money, PINAC reported.
With this pilot program, each department's commitment is required. The White House says that each agency awarded a grant is responsible for developing a plan for long-term storage. The program also requires each agency to take care of the cost of storing data. Before a law enforcement agency obtain cameras, a vigorous training policy must be placed and properly established.
The goal is set and the need is revealed, as the program utilizes the resources of the country, the nation expects to see changes in the overall structure and methods of each agency to deliver their optimum services to the country.