In March 2020, Jefferson Hills Police Department (JHPD) applied to receive funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for 50% funding under a competitive grant announcement - the Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Policy and Implementation Program.
The primary purpose of these funds is to support the development and implementation of policies and practices for effective program adoption, and includes factors such as the purchase, deployment, and maintenance of camera systems and equipment; data storage and access; and privacy considerations. Award recipients are required to demonstrate a commitment and adherence to a strong BWC policy framework, including comprehensive policy adoption and requisite training prior to the release of funds.
In June, the Borough was notified they were one of the departments selected to receive funding for this initiative. At the July Borough Council meeting, council approved the police department to move forward with the BWC initiative and committed to funding the remaining 50% for the purchase of BWC equipment. The final amount for the Borough is estimated to be around $21,000.
As of this date, the department continues to move forward with the various mandates and approvals of the program, with intentions of acquiring the equipment in the near future. The JHPD is hopeful of having these cameras in service before the end of the year.