Sheriff's office seeks county authorization to apply for DOJ body‑worn camera grant

A sheriff’s office representative asked the Klamath County Board of Commissioners for authorization to submit an application to the Bureau of Justice/Office of Justice Programs for the Small, Rural, Tribal Body‑Worn Camera Program. The representative said the competitive grant offers up to $2,000 per camera and requires a 1:1 match; in‑kind match is acceptable and the program currently does not require up‑front equipment implementation costs.

The speaker explained the county’s current body‑worn camera solution uses cellphone applications that have operational limits—such as preventing calls while recording, limiting evidentiary photography and causing battery drain—and said a dedicated body camera system would address those issues. Commissioners and staff responded supportively; the Chair offered to provide a support letter if needed.

No formal vote on the grant application was recorded in the transcript; the item was presented as a request for authorization and commissioners encouraged moving forward with application materials and support.