Body worn cameras (bwcs) are pertinent to maintaining transparency and police-community relations

The Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded the City of Bessemer Alabama $400,000 under the Body Worn Camera Policy and Implementation program (CFDA 16.835) to purchase new body worn cameras for the Bessemer Police Department. The current cameras have reached end of life and are obsolete. The new cameras will allow the police department to maintain authentic record keeping and accurate data management for its 30,000 citizens. Under the direction of the Chief of Police and Administrative Captain, the police department will implement the new cameras and conduct ongoing data acquisition, management, and reporting for annual evaluations through September 2025 in Bessemer, Alabama. The funding will support the department's mission of community policing through quality body worn cameras.

Bessemer police department, located in bessemer, alabama would like to purchase new body worn cameras in place of the current bwcs that have reached their end of life and are now obsolete. By acquiring new bwcs, bessemer police department (BPD) will be able to maintain authentic record-keeping, preserve accurate and up-to-date data management and deliver better services to its 30,000 citizens. They have an already well-established program and data management system in place ensuring the chain of custody is maintained and the evidence is preserved in its original form. Under the direction of the chief of police and administrative captain implementation and oversight of data acquisition, management, and reporting for annual evaluations will be conducted. The continuation of the department's mission to fulfill the pillars of community policing, quality bwcs are essential for the bessemer police department.