Body-Worn Camera Grant Program

The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, administers the State of Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program for 2026. By statute, the office serves as the state’s lead justice planning and assistance agency, managing both state and federal funds directed toward criminal justice efforts. The program was established in response to a call from Governor Mike DeWine in 2021 to expand the use of body-worn cameras across Ohio law enforcement agencies. An initial $10 million allocation in the state budget underscored the state’s commitment to improving officer accountability, evidence collection, and transparency in interactions between law enforcement and the public. The program continues under the oversight of the Office of Criminal Justice Services Executive Director, with final approval of awards provided by the Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The grant supports law enforcement agencies in creating or expanding their body-worn camera programs. Eligible expenses include the purchase of body-worn cameras, software, and supporting technology such as storage servers or cloud services. Additional costs such as redaction services, IT support, service agreements, installation, training, and new personnel directly supporting body-worn camera administration are allowable. Importantly, cameras with facial recognition capabilities are only permitted if the agency maintains a written policy governing their use. The program explicitly excludes dashboard cameras, corrections-related expenses, and existing staff salaries. The funding period runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, and reimbursement will only be made for costs incurred during that period. Eligibility is limited to local law enforcement agencies applying through their unit of local government, including townships, villages, cities, and counties. Agencies must be certified under the Body-Worn Camera standard developed by the Ohio Collaborative on Community-Police Relations by the time of application submission. They must also comply with state or FBI incident-based reporting systems or commit to exploring compliance. Applicants are required to submit sustainability plans, outline training for officers and supervisors, and provide justifications for requested equipment. A list of certified agencies eligible for funding is included in Appendix A of the request for proposals. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services Grants Management System by October 9, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Only one application may be submitted per subrecipient. Proposals must include a title page, narrative, and budget. Applications that fail to meet submission requirements or deadlines will not be considered. The review process includes evaluation of budget allowability, compliance with reporting, and program relevance. Awards are contingent upon successful completion of pre-award conditions within the online system. The application process includes a mandatory narrative component. New programs must specify the number, make, and model of cameras sought, the officers who will use them, ancillary equipment or personnel requested, and the agency’s capacity for records retention and public requests. Expanding programs must provide similar information about existing cameras and explain plans for replacements or expansions. While the program does not require matching funds, agencies must demonstrate how the program will be financially sustained beyond the grant period. Proposals will be scored on clarity, completeness, and adherence to the requirements outlined in the solicitation. The grant application cycle includes a bidders training webinar scheduled for September 15, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. to assist agencies with the application and review process. Award notifications will be made electronically, and all required forms must be completed before final approval. For assistance, applicants may contact the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services at 614-466-7782 or 888-448-4842, or reach out to their designated regional grant coordinator. Additional contacts and guidance are available through the office’s website. The timeline for awards ensures that successful applicants will begin receiving funds starting July 1, 2025, to implement or expand their programs through June 30, 2027.