The Houston Police Department is requesting an ordinance be approved authorizing the submission for and acceptance of funding through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for the Body Worn Camera (BWC) Policy and Implementation Program. The grant amount is $2,000,000.00 and requires a city cash match of $2,000,000.00. The majority of the cash match ($1,995,000.00) will be funded by a donation to the City for the purchase of BWC equipment. If awarded, the grant period becomes effective October 1, 2020, and ends September 30, 2023, for a total of 36 months.
HPD will use this grant funding to expand its existing BWC program. HPD’s body worn camera program has profoundly affected the city and its citizens by increasing overall the accountability and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. However, the current cameras have reached the end of their technological lifespan. In order for the program to continue, HPD must replace the existing camera systems as well as acquire additional cameras. This is necessary to outfit the department fully and to take advantage of upgrades in software and camera functionality. The expected number of BWCs to be purchased as part of this grant program is 4,100.
The Houston Police Department also requests City Council to authorize the Chief of Police or his designee to act as the City’s representative in the application process with the authority to apply for, accept and expend the grant funds as awarded, and apply for, accept and expend all subsequent awards, if any, to extend the budget period, and to authorize the Mayor to execute all related agreements with the approval of the City Attorney in connection with the grant not to exceed five years.
Fiscal Notes:
Funding for this item is included in the FY2020 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policy.
No Fiscal Note is required on grant items.
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Art Acevedo
Chief of Police