Discussion and possible action to authorize the purchase of Fifty (50) Body Worn Camera (BWCs) equipment, software, and supplies for the Webb County Sheriff's Office peace officers in an amount not to exceed $80,950.00; under DIR contract #3900-DIR-CPO-5433 and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant requires a cash match of $20,237.50, which will be met utilizing the Sheriff’s Office forfeiture funds (Fund #2152); and, thus, will have no impact on the general fund. [Grant Fund #2743-3010-001-460105 (Minor Tools)]

Issue: The use of Body Worn Cameras has been shown in studies to be an effective strategy for law enforcement agencies, and their use has grown to be a standard and beneficial practice for sworn officers.

Solution: Purchase of body worn cameras for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office will allow increase transparency and accountability through the continued utilization of body-worn cameras for its sworn officer force.

Result: The Webb County Sheriff’s Office will be able to achieve greater transparency and accountability in its service and protection of the Laredo/Webb County public and taxpayers.

Body-worn cameras (BWCs) can be highly effective, providing an inalterable audio and visual record of interactions that can capture empirical evidence in the event of a crime, police-citizen interaction, or use-of-force incident. Preliminary research by the U.S. Department of Justice indicates that departments that have effectively implemented body-worn cameras (BWC) programs have received fewer public complaints, file fewer use-of-force reports, and show a reduction in adjudicated complaints resulting in a decrease of settlements.

The court has given authorization to apply for and accept grants for Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) in recent years.