Body Worn Camera Grant Funding Request for Proposal

The Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program aims to enhance law enforcement transparency and accountability by providing funding for agencies to establish or upgrade their body-worn camera programs. With a budget of $10 million, the program prioritizes agencies without existing camera systems. In 2023, the average award was approximately $43,482, addressing crucial needs for improved evidence collection and officer training, ultimately fostering better community relations and public trust.

Body-Worn Camera Grant Program (OH)
The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By statute, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state, administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year. OCJS also evaluates programs and develops technology, training, and products for criminal justice professionals and communities. Governor Mike DeWine has designated OCJS to administer the 2023 Ohio Body-worn Camera Grant Program (“BWC Grant Program”).
Law enforcement agencies are increasingly using body-worn cameras to serve a multitude of functions: to improve evidence collection, to train officers, to strengthen officer performance and accountability, to enhance agency transparency, and to document and investigate encounters between police and the public. In 2021, at the request of Governor Mike DeWine, $10 million was set aside in the state budget to help outfit law enforcement officers across the state with body cameras, in an effort to achieve Governor DeWine’s goal “that most, if not all, law enforcement agencies in the state will establish a body camera program with the help of this grant funding.”
Purpose
Law enforcement agencies must use BWC Grant Program funds to support the creation of an agency BWC program or to expand/update an agency’s existing BWC program. Priority will be given to outfitting officers who regularly interact with the public that do not currently have functional cameras.
There is no funding cap; however, funding is limited. While grant funds can be used for various expenses related to implementing an agency’s body worn camera program, funds will be prioritized for agencies that do not currently have a body camera program. The average award amount for this year was $43,482.13 (ranging from $3,656.56 - $244,838.96).