The US Justice Department is rolling out a program to provide funding support to police departments across the country to develop and implement body-worn cameras (BWCs). The program is part of a federal initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between communities and law enforcement agencies. It is expected to ensure safe and effective delivery of policing services across the country.
Recent incidents in Ferguson, New York City and Baltimore have led to racial tensions and a breakdown in trust between people and law enforcement agencies in the US. This is what prompted the Obama-administration to review the federal funding program for equipment to state and local law enforcement agencies.
In an effort to improve the existing system, the President in December last year announced a three-year $263 million investment package, of which $75 million will be allocated for purchasing 50,000 body-worn cameras. Overall, the increased funding is expected to facilitate engagement between community and local law enforcement agencies by taking up steps to train and reform the police departments.