COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine announced $5 million in grant funding is available for law enforcement agencies across the state to invest in body camera equipment and associated expenses.

The Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant applications have opened for the third round since launching in 2021. Applications are due on Oct. 5, 2023. 

Ohio's Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety and runs the program. Funding for the program comes from the Ohio General Assembly through the operating budget.

The program is designed to assist local law enforcement agencies with costs related to camera equipment, video storage, editing software, public record management and more. Nearly $10 million has been awarded to more than 200 agencies as part of the program.

In the second round, which took place last December, 112 agencies received funding. 

"Body cameras act as an impartial eye on the interactions between law enforcement and the public, so they're incredibly important for transparency," said DeWine in a news release. "This program is for any local law enforcement agency that doesn't already have a body-worn camera program or needs support to enhance and maintain its existing technology."