Gwen Rummell Reporting –
Two local agencies were the recipient of the Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program.
A total of 108 law enforcement agencies received funding in the recent round of the program. Of the awardees, 32 will use funding to create new body-worn camera programs and 76 will work towards expanding or upgrading existing technology.
The New Philadelphia Police Department received $39,754 to go towards a new program. Chief Tessa Pohovey says this funding will benefit both the public and the department.
“I think we’re to the day and age where the public expects us to have video of incidents that we respond to and it’s good for all parties involved. It gives you more of an insight into what actually occurred during specific calls. It eliminates the ‘he-said, she-said.’”
In the past, the department relied on the cameras displayed on the dash of cruisers.
In addition, the Muskingum Watershed Conservation District received $37,594.72 to put towards their existing body-worn camera program.
The state awarded nearly $4.8 million in grant funding for the third round.
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