BJA FY 20 Supporting Small and Rural Law Enforcement Agency Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program

The Supporting Small and Rural Law Enforcement Agency Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program (SRA-BWC) directly supports key priorities of the Department of Justice by promoting the safety of law enforcement officers and citizens by strengthening the means for evidence capture and by contributing to improved justice outcomes. Both formal research publications and testimonials by law enforcement executives have shown that BWCs, when properly implemented, contribute myriad benefits to law enforcement organizations, their personnel, and the communities they serve. BWC use can have a moderating effect on citizens' behavior; has been shown to reduce use-of-force incidents and citizen complaints; and can help strengthen mutual respect and civility in citizen police interactions. Digital footage from BWCs can provide critical visual and audio records of interactions. The benefits of BWCs can be optimized when properly implemented as part of a deliberate program of carefully thought-out policies and practices in coordination with broader agency missions, including officer safety, accountability, increased disparity, training, and efficiency. Program funds under this solicitation are intended to be awarded to a single provider organization that will administer a competitive solicitation for funds to small and rural law enforcement agencies and provide training and technical assistance to subawardee agencies. The goal of the program is to provide much needed assistance to small and rural law enforcement agencies that are often underserved, face unique challenges, and often are not fully competitive for direct site awards, including direct award grant programs such as the Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies (BWC-PIP). By providing an opportunity to apply for sub-awards under the SRA-BWC, rural agencies will be able to secure BWCs and access needed support though training and technical assistance tailored to fit their unique needs. This will be accomplished without burdening these small and rural agencies with the administrative, fiscal, and reporting demands that are attendant to direct federal awards.