15PBJA23GK04176BWCX

This project has two major purposes: 1) create, develop, and administer a micro-grant program that distributes funds for body-worn cameras (BWCS) to small, rural, and tribal agencies, and 2) provide training and technical assistance to those agencies, as well as others who may be interested in implementing a BWC program.

Justice & Security Strategies, Inc. (JSS), Michigan State University (MSU), and Justice & Health Analytics have the experience and capacity to manage and deliver services and products to small, rural, and tribal policing agencies. JSS will serve as the prime on this cooperative agreement.

To accomplish the purposes of the program the JSS team will adhere to these major principles: 1) emphasize and focus on customer service; 2) develop tools that are easy to use; 3) leverage technology; and 4) use data, experience, and common-sense to assist in decision-making.

This proposal describes how JSS established a robust framework to define, administer, and monitor a micro-grant program. Importantly, it provides an extensive plan for delivering customer-centric technical assistance and training to SRTBWC agencies.

The JSS team proposes to continue to administer its micro-grant program that streamlines the grant application and management processes for these jurisdictions. In 2021, we received over 2,700 inquiries about the grant program and 966 grant applications. We were able to provide funding to 418 agencies of the 966 applications. In February 2023, we received 650 applications with award decisions forthcoming in late spring.

JSS created a website that is user-friendly and a help desk for micro-grantees seeking answers about grants administration and/or implementation of their BWC program. To assist agencies with their BWC policies, we created the Policy Wizard, an on-line tool that assists agencies to efficiently and effectively draft a customized BWC policy. Other technical assistance deliverables included: one-page newsletters, 30-minute webinars, and listening sessions with sheriffs offices and small police departments. JSS tracks all micro-grantees requirements and programmatic milestones through an easy-to-use online portal.

This proposal seeks funding to continue administering the SRTBWC TTA program. The JSS team understands the complexities of implementing the requirements of a BWC TTA program, and the unique challenges for SRT agencies.

Justice And Security Strategies

THIS PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE FUNDING TO FOR AN ORGANIZATION TO ADMINISTER A COMPETITIVE SUBGRANT PROGRAM TO SMALL, RURAL, AND TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES SEEKING TO INITIATE OR EXPAND THE BODY-WORN CAMERA PROGRAM. THE ORGANIZATION WILL ALSO PROVIDE CUSTOMIZED TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (TTA) FOR SUBGRANTEES. THIS AWARD IS EXPECTED TO RESULT IN APPROXIMATELY 300 SUBAWARDS TO SMALL, RURAL, AND TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES THAT HAVE NOT HISTORICALLY BEEN AS COMPETITIVE AS LARGER AGENCIES IN SECURING DIRECT FUNDS UNDER BJA'S BODY-WORN CAMERA POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM FOR LEAS.

16.835 - Body Worn Camera Policy and Implementation

Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) [DOJ - OJP]

Silver Spring, Maryland 20906 United States

Single Zip Code

BJA FY 23 Supporting Small, Rural, and Tribal Law Enforcement Agency Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program (O-BJA-2023-171563)

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 09/30/26 to 09/30/27 and the total obligations have increased 175% from $8,000,000 to $22,000,000.