1.
Brandon Bannister
390-786-4525
Senate Democratic Caucus
Communications Specialist
senatedemocrats@leg.wa.gov
For Release: Tuesday, September 22, 2015
U.S. Department of Justice Funds Seattle Police Department’s Body
Camera Program
Transparency Gets an Opportunity
Seattle, Washington, September 22, 2015 - ​In response to a widespread call for law
enforcement reform, the DOJ has announced their federal campaign to provide body cameras for
law enforcement agencies across the country. This effort intends to bring safety, accountability,
and transparency to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
The Department of Justice is expected to spend a total of $23.2 million on this project; $19.3
million for camera purchases; $2 million for camera use training; as well as $1.9 million for
surveying the use of the equipment. This program will accommodate 73 police agencies
nationwide. This includes the Seattle Police Department which, as reported by The Seattle Times,
will be granted $600,000 in order to magnify its current body camera program.
The Seattle Police Department has recently found much success in their use of body camera
technology after a pilot program was implemented earlier this summer. The pilot program used a
dozen officers in order to assess the efficacy of the technology, thus discovering positive results.
In conjunction with such findings and federal funding, the Seattle Police Department hopes to
implement the body camera technology on all patrol officers by next year.
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The Senate Democratic Caucus is committed to fighting for progress and equality for all of
Washington State. Standing united with each citizen, we strive to provide freedom, liberty, and
opportunity for all.
Visit our website for further information at: ​http://sdc.wastateleg.org