Jonesboro Police Department receives $80,000 grant for body cameras
by October 4, 2023 11:52 am 416 views
Mayor Harold Copenhaver said the city of Jonesboro has been awarded $80,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice for body-worn police cameras.
“The body-camera program has been successful in providing transparency to our citizenry and in providing evidence to support and defend our police officers,” Copenhaver said. “This is $80,000 that will quite possibly save an officer’s life, but it will also provide key evidence for countless cases.”
U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., announced the award this week, and city leaders expressed appreciation to Boozman and other Arkansas congressional officials — U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Jonesboro, and U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark.
“We depend on our Congressional delegation significantly so I appreciate every time they direct resources and funding to us,” Copenhaver said.
Police Chief Rick Elliott said the amount will provide 40 new body cameras.
“We need additional cameras because the department has grown,” Elliott said. “We also supply cameras to Code Enforcement, Animal Control and the Fire Marshall division of the Fire Department.”
Elliott said the digital footage from body-worn cameras has led to advances in training, feedback and policy revisions that enhance officer safety.
“The additional benefit is it helps ensure transparency and public trust by providing an account of events that take place,” he said. “It has certainly helped us substantiate or exonerate an officer’s alleged improper conduct.”