Earlier this week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced additional state support for local law enforcement body-worn camera programs.
As part of the fifth round of the Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program, the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services will distribute $4.4 million to help law enforcement agencies cover the cost of body-worn camera equipment and related expenses.
A total of 131 law enforcement agencies across Ohio will receive funding.
Ten agencies will use the grants to establish new body-worn camera programs, while 121 agencies will apply the funding to expand or upgrade existing technology.
Included among the recipients is the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, which was awarded $39,125.20 as part of this round of funding.
The program was created by Governor DeWine in 2021, and since its launch, 370 law enforcement agencies statewide have received funding.
“Today, body-worn cameras on law enforcement officers are commonplace; they protect both the public and our first responders,” Governor DeWine said. “My administration is proud to have helped hundreds of local agencies incorporate this valuable technology into their daily routines.”
The Office of Criminal Justice Services received $17.2 million in grant requests for this funding cycle.
All qualifying agencies applying to establish new body-worn camera programs were given priority, with remaining funds used to upgrade aging cameras, expand storage capacity, or hire record-retention personnel.
