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CC-CONSENT ITEM: Approval of an Application for $200,000 in Grant Funds through the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 2023 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies.
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Meeting Date: March 27, 2023
Contact Person/Dept: Captain Luis Martinez/ Police
Phone Number: (310) 253-6391
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Attachments: [X]
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (03/22/2023)
Department Approval: Jason Sims, Interim Police Chief (03/09/2023)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve an application for grant funds in the amount of $200,000 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 2023 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) announced the availability of grant funds for Fiscal Year 2023. BJA funding is intended for law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices and correctional agencies performing law enforcement functions to purchase or lease body-worn cameras (BWCs) to establish or expand comprehensive body-worn camera programs with a specific and demonstrated plan to implement this technology to maximize the benefits of BWCs. Funding under this program supports agencies with existing BWC programs that are seeking to improve the management, sharing, and integration of digital evidence generated from BWCs; optimize how prosecutors leverage BWC footage to improve operations; or to use BWC to enhance officer training or constitutional policing practices. This program furthers the DOJ’s mission by promoting the safe and fair administration of justice.
The use of technology by law enforcement professionals has increased exponentially over the past decade. It is not only relied upon for efficiency, but it enhances the safety of officers and the general public. Technology plays a key role in creating and maintaining public trust through providing foundations for police transparency and accountability.
The Culver City Police Department (CCPD) has had an in-car and body worn camera program in place since 2017. The BWC equipment previously purchased is now nearing the end of its service life. BWCs have proven to be an invaluable tool as they have become industry standard in law enforcement. The community, the City, and CCPD see value in equipping CCPD Officers with this equipment which provides valuable evidence in police investigations and promotes a higher level of accountability for all parties involved in community-police interactions. Case studies have further shown that BWCs drastically reduce public complaints and use-of-force incidents.
There is a grant cap calculation based on the number of BWCs the Department is requesting to purchase. CCPD is seeking grant funds to supplement the cost for 100 new BWCs.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The grant fund amount being requested is $200,000 for new body-worn cameras. The grant requires dollar-for-dollar matching funds. Matching funds in the amount of $200,000 will be requested as a budget enhancement during the Fisca Year 2023-2024 budget adoption process.
MOTION
That the City Council:
1. Approve an application for grant funds in the amount of $200,000 through the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 2023 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies; and
2. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.