DOJ Awards $95 Million for Police Body-Worn Cameras and Crisis Intervention Training in 250 Cities

WASHINGTON, DC — The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) announced the award of $95 million through the Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program (BWCPIP) and the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program, delivering funding to 250 municipal police departments and county sheriffs' offices in 38 states.

Enhancing Police Accountability and Mental Health Crisis De-Escalation

The funding packages provide capital to purchase 25,000 high-definition body-worn cameras with automated holster-activation sensors, establish redaction and public record release software, and fund crisis intervention team (CIT) training for 5,000 patrol officers. The federal grants require recipient law enforcement agencies to partner with licensed psychiatric social workers for 911 mental health co-responder units, diverting non-violent behavioral health emergencies to community treatment centers.

Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that transparent policing practices and crisis de-escalation training build community trust and protect the safety of both officers and the public.

Major Cities Chiefs and Police Accountability Groups Endorse

Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) commended the software storage subsidies for handling massive digital video evidence databases.

Civil rights organizations praised the requirement for standardized public release guidelines following critical police incidents.

Equipment Deployment Schedule

Body camera systems and crisis training modules will roll out across recipient municipal police departments in autumn 2026.