(August 23, 2021) - The Colorado Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) today announced the call for state and local law enforcement agencies to submit their interest in receiving a portion of $6 million that the Colorado Legislature set aside for funding body-worn cameras.
The Body-worn Cameras for Law Enforcement Officers Grant Program was appropriated funds through this year’s Long Bill and by House Bill 21-1250 to help Colorado law enforcement agencies comply with the requirements of House Bill 21-1250 and Senate Bill 20-217. The Office of Adult and Juvenile Justice (OAJJA), a unit of DCJ within the Department of Public Safety, is administering the grant program.
Agencies that would like to apply for grant funding must submit an intent to apply by September 10, 2021. Based on the number of requests and amount requested, OAJJA will determine an equitable allocation that ensures agencies with the greatest needs/greatest gap receive adequate assistance.
The grant funding is only available for state and local law enforcement agencies (not private or corporate security) and can be used to pay for purchasing body-worn cameras and accessories to comply with SB20-217 and HB21-1250. It is not intended for personnel costs.
OAJJA expects to announce allocations by September 17. Then, each recipient agency will go through a process to set up their budget and grant agreements, which they must complete before receiving funds. Agencies must receive and spend the funds prior to June 30, 2022.