The louisiana department of public safety and corrections (DPS & C) is seeking funding to expand and enhance its BWC pilot program

Currently, the DPS & C is piloting bwcs in all eight of its state prison facilities with seven facilities having five pilot bwcs and one that has 40 bwcs for a full deployment. Probation and parole is currently piloting ten BWC units that are being utilized by tactical teams in covington, alexandria, and headquarters. However, due to budget constraints, the DPS & C is not able to fully deploy the number of bwcs needed to cover all areas of concern; therefore, the reason we are seeking funding is to expand camera use in all state prison facilities and probation and parole districts. The DPS & C is proposing to purchase 410 bwcs and distribute them to the seven state prison facilities that are not fully deployed and to the probation and parole districts for use. The software for monitoring the cameras will be purchased by the DPS & C as part of the 50/50 match requirement. The DPS & C feels that by providing bwcs in all of its state prison facilities and probation and parole districts, IT would promote public safety, transparency, policy development, generate digital evidence and enhance officer training and officer safety. If awarded funding under this solicitation, the DPS & CS BWC project will consist of a project management team lead by the information technology director and the probation and parole deputy director, including other key members that will consist of managers and directors from various departments and command staff. In addition to the PMT, the DPS & C will hire two staff to monitor the bwcs for probation and parole and the state prison facilities to ensure that the project is fully deployed and monitored appropriately.