Federal legislation would provide grants for police body cams

Posted on September 21, 2015

By John Gregory/Illinois Radio Network

CHICAGO – An Illinois congressman wants to offer federal grants for getting police officers outfitted with body cameras.

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster (D-Naperville) is introducing legislation to provide up to $100 million in federal grants to state and local police departments specifically for cameras worn on an officer’s body.

Several states, including Illinois, have passed laws regarding body cameras, but Foster says a nationwide program is needed.

“I really felt it was time for the federal government to catch up with the changes that states are already making, and to, frankly, take the lead on what is truly a national issue,” Foster said.

While all departments will be eligible, Foster says they can increase their chances of receiving the grants by establishing clear policies on when the body cameras have to be turned on, how the footage is stored, and how to submit data collected for national studies.

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