ORDINANCE approving and authorizing submission of an application for grant assistance from the U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE for the FY2016 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program Grant; declaring the City’s eligibility for such grant; authorizing the Acting Chief of the Houston Police Department to act as the City’s representative in the application process; to accept such grant funds, if awarded, to manage and expend the grant funds as awarded and to apply for and accept all subsequent awards, if any, pertaining to the program

The Houston Police Department recommends City Council approve the application for and acceptance of a grant through the U.S. Department of Justice for the FY2016 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program in the amount of $358,886, with a cash match of $358,887 for a total program cost of $717,773.  HPD will purchase 400 cameras and software.

The intent of this program is to assist law enforcement agencies in developing comprehensive, problem-solving approaches for the implementation or enhancement of body-worn camera (BWC) programs.  HPD will utilize body-worn cameras to assist officers in their efforts to enhance police professionalism, improve transparency, and preserve recorded evidence of their interactions with the public.

The BWCs will be purchased through the City's contract with Enforcement Video, LLC d/b/a Watch Guard Video approved by City Council on November 18, 2015 (Ordinance No. 2015-1156).

BJA Grant: Fed-Grant Fund (Fund 5000)          $358,886

HPD:  Cash Match-General Fund (Fund 1000) $358,887

In-Kind Match                                                     $-0-_____

                                                            Total       $717,773