Discussion and possible action to approve the submission of a Body Worn Camera grant application (4362003) to the Office of Governor (OOG) in the amount estimated at $144,000 for Body Worn Camera (BWCs) equipment, software, and supplies; and authorizing the County Judge to execute all relevant documents;including the resolution, and any other matters incident thereto. This grant requires a 25% cash match for an estimated amount of $36,000, which will be met by Webb County Sheriff’s Office forfeiture funds); and, thus, this grant will have no impact on the general fund. All required documents were sent to the Economic Development Department and were found in compliance with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) policy. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff; Grant Fund #2743; Cash Match Account #2151-9080-001-485005]

Issue: Studies have shown that Body Worn Cameras are an effective strategy for law enforcement agencies, and their use has become a standard and valuable practice for sworn officers.

Solution: Grant application to expand and maximize grant resources, enabling the Webb County Sheriff’s Office to enhance transparency and accountability by continuing the use of body-worn cameras for its sworn officers.

Result: The Webb County Sheriff’s Office will be able to enhance transparency and accountability in its efforts to serve and protect the public and taxpayers of Laredo/Webb County.

Body-worn cameras (BWCs) are highly effective tools, offering an unchangeable audio and visual record of interactions that can capture crucial evidence in cases of crime, police-citizen interactions, or use-of-force incidents. Initial research by the U.S. Department of Justice suggests that departments with well-implemented BWC programs experience fewer public complaints, reduced use-of-force reports, and a decrease in adjudicated complaints, leading to fewer settlements.

This grant is approved for submission and acceptance on an annual basis.