COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine is proposing $10 million to cover the cost of police-worn body cameras for department’s across the state as part of this year’s budget.
“This is something that is very important,” DeWine said Tuesday. “It is significant as we look at what we need to do to protect police and protect the public and be transparent.”
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Several police departments in the Miami Valley do not currently have body cameras, including Trotwood Police, who were involved in a deadly officer-involved shooting Friday night. Trotwood Police Chief Erik Wilson said the department hasn’t been able to purchase the cameras due to issues with funding.
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DeWine said the proposed funding he is recommending would fix the money issues, which he added many of the smaller departments in the state have run into.
“We believe that this will pay for the vast majority of departments in the state who want body cameras,” the Governor said.
The state General Assembly would have to approve the proposed grant as part of the state’s annual budget, which DeWine said typically is approved in late June.
The funding would be distributed through grants from the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
Cox Media Group
