COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine hosted a press conference Tuesday afternoon to announce details of the state’s plan to roll out body-worn cameras for all Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers.
The press conference took place in Columbus at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy. Gov. DeWine was joined by Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Richard Fambro for the announcement.
DeWine says the distribution and installation of 1,550 new body cameras and 1,221 new in-car systems began this month. They will link to the new in-car systems to ensure that all cameras record simultaneously when lights and sirens are activated.
The systems, which are being installed first in districts with the oldest current in-car cameras, are expected to be fully installed at all OSHP districts by May 2022. The below graphic reveals the timetable for installation.
The total cost will be $15 million over the next five years, which includes storage, maintenance, and training. It will come out of the OSHP's normal budget.
"The Patrol has been using in-car cameras for decades, but as technology continues to advance, body cameras have become an essential tool for policing," said Gov. DeWine. "By investing in these cameras, we're not only giving our troopers the tools they need to better protect the public, but we're also giving the public another reason to have confidence in the professionalism of the Ohio State Highway Patrol."
Back in September, Gov. DeWine announced a $5 million grant was available “to help local law enforcement agencies invest in body camera equipment and pay for associated expenses.”
"Body cameras are beneficial for peace officers and the public because they act as impartial eyes on events as they transpire, but most law enforcement agencies in Ohio don't have them because they can't afford them," Gov. DeWine said at the time. "One of my top priorities has always been ensuring that our law enforcement officers have the tools they need to best serve the public, and this new grant program will help eliminate the cost barriers associated with body-worn cameras and will contribute to a safer Ohio."
You can watch Tuesday's briefing below:
MORE HEADLINES:
Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in an unrelated article on Oct. 4, 2021.