Ohio Gov. DeWine announced Tuesday that new funding for body camera equipment and related expenses is now available for local law enforcement agencies.
It’s estimated as many as two-thirds of all law enforcement agencies in Ohio do not outfit their officers with cameras because they don’t have enough money for equipment and video storage, according to an emailed press release from the governor's office.
In the state operating budget passed by Ohio lawmakers in June, DeWine prioritized the Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program. The governor said $5 million in grant funding is now available for law enforcement agencies.
In the press release, DeWine said that “body cameras are beneficial for peace officers and the public because they act as impartial eyes on events as they transpire.”
The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services is now accepting applications for the grant funding until October 8.
