Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing the Police Department to submit a grant application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance (U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs) for the 2020 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program in the amount of $186,286.07 and the naming of the grant managers (Chief of Police)
Background
If approved, the League City Police Department would move forward in the submission process for the grant through the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the 2020 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program. This grant requires 1:1 funding match by grantee and covers body-worn cameras only with equipment and hardware.
The items being requested are 127 Axon Body-Worn Cameras, 127 Auto Tag Licenses, 127 basic evidence licenses, 10 professional evidence licenses, 8 eight-bay docks, and warranties for all hardware. If the grant were funded and accepted, the City would have to match the grant funds of $186,286.07.
From June of 2018 to April 2019, Department employees researched body-worn cameras, and during this process, peer-reviewed body-worn camera studies demonstrated the capability to improve police/community relations through increased transparency and accountability. Body-worn cameras also have a noticeable impact on use-of-force incidents and citizen complaints which could protect the agency from costly litigation. Body-worn cameras aid in evidence collection, prosecution, help mitigate citizen complaints, and improve police legitimacy. A survey of surrounding agencies indicates the League City Police Department is the only municipality not currently utilizing or being issued body-worn cameras. Most area agencies had body-worn camera systems in place for two (2) or more years. The League City Police Department seeks to equip officers with body-worn technology designed to enhance professional service. We believe body worn camera technology will improve public trust through transparency and acco...
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