STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
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7/23/2024
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Date: July 23 2024
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Rodrick Armalin, Chief of Police
Subject:Designating City Officials Authorized to File Application(s) to the Federal Micro-Grant Program to Obtain Financial Assistance
Relating to Implementing of Body-Worn Camera Program for Small, Rural, & Tribal Law Enforcement.
Recommendation:
Adopt Resolution No. 24-__, designating those officials authorized to file application(s) to the Federal Micro-Grant Program to obtain certain federal financial assistance.
Fiscal Impact: None.
Background:
The Small, Rural, and Tribal Body-Worn Camera (SRT-BWC) Program is a federal micro- grant initiative aimed at enhancing law enforcement capabilities in small, rural, and tribal communities. Key objectives of the SRT-BWC Program is to advance civil rights by promoting transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.
Body-worn cameras (BWCs) play a crucial role in recording interactions between officers and the public, providing an objective account of events that can be used to address complaints, resolve disputes, and hold officers accountable for their actions. This transparency is essential for maintaining public trust and confidence in law enforcement agencies. BWCs help ensure that the legal process is based on accurate and reliable information, ultimately contributing to a more equitable justice system.
The presence of BWCs also enhances the ability of officers to respond effectively to victims' needs, ensuring that their rights are protected, and their voices are heard. The visible presence of BWCs will act as a deterrent to criminal activity, while also aiding in the rapid identification and resolution of criminal acts. By providing real-time documentation of incidents, BWCs help officers respond more effectively to threats and maintain public safety. 1 7
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Building trust between law enforcement and the community is a fundamental goal of the SRT- BWC Program. By fostering open and transparent relationships between officers and the communities they protect, the program aims to enhance community confidence in law enforcement.
With the awarded grant, the City of Lancaster has been allocated $24,000.00, to support this vital activity by purchasing the technology.
The City agents designated by title include the City Manager or his designee to be authorized and empowered to execute the Federal Micro-Grant Program’s grant agreement.
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Attachment:
Resolution No. 24-__