TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents including any necessary subsequent amendments, with the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, to receive and expend grant funding up to $368,000 from the Fiscal Year 2021 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies, for the period of December 1, 2021 to November 30, 2024; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Police Department by $368,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) was awarded the Fiscal Year 2021 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, in the amount of $368,000.
The purpose of the grant is to fund law enforcement agencies seeking to purchase body worn cameras (BWC) to expand comprehensive BWC programs with a specific and demonstrated plan to implement this technology to maximize the benefits of BWCs. BWCs help strengthen accountability and transparency, and can assist in deescalating conflicts, resulting in more constructive encounters between the police and members of the community. The program will further the Department of Justice’s mission of promoting the safe and fair administration of justice.
LBPD began its BWC program in 2016 with a pilot of 100 cameras in one geographic area and by 2020 had expanded to all geographic locations that now includes 649 BWCs for all Patrol Bureau officers. The grant monies will be used to further expand the current BWC program and move to full department implementation by adding 184 BWCs, equipping all sworn officers in the Investigations Bureau (Lieutenant and below) with a BWC. Grant funds will also be used to cover costs associated with BWC docks, wall mounts, and storage.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on January 6, 2022 and...
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