Community Oriented Policing Services
SIA Applauds Funding of School Safety Grants Program
President Donald Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 which among other provisions would reauthorize and restore funding for school safety grants administered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The new law provides $25 million immediately for school security technology and equipment in addition to emergency communications systems and other coordination with law enforcement to enhance response capabilities. Administered through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), $33 million is authorized annually for the program beginning next year.
Implementing a Body-Worn Camera Program: Recommendations and Lessons Learned
Police leaders who have deployed body-worn cameras say there are many benefits associated with the devices. They note that body-worn cameras are useful for documenting evidence; officer training; preventing and resolving complaints brought by members of the public; and strengthening police transparency, performance, and accountability. In addition, given that police now operate in a world in which anyone with a cell phone camera can record video footage of a police encounter, body-worn cameras help police departments ensure events are also captured from an officer’s perspective.