Attorney General Loretta Lynch capped her first, challenging week at the helm of the Justice Department by
announcing a $20 million police body camera pilot project.
"This body-worn camera pilot program is a vital part of the Justice Department's comprehensive efforts to equip law enforcement agencies throughout the country with the tools, support, and training they need to tackle the 21st century challenges we face," Attorney General Loretta Lynch said in a statement. "Body-worn cameras hold tremendous promise for enhancing transparency, promoting accountability, and advancing public safety for law enforcement officers and the communities they serve."
The Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets of Act of 1968 authorizes the attorney general to provide a maximum of $20 million to local governments to modernize the technology they use. The DOJ said that they would provide 50 grants and that a third would go to smaller police departments. The grants have to have a 50-50 in-kind or cash match by the departments, and all of the departments receiving the grants will have to create implementation and training programs.