Grant funds for Worcester’s body cameras run low

WORCESTER COUNTY, Md – On July 1, body-worn cameras were mandated for all police officers in the state of Maryland, but the state grants that cover the costs of this program have dried up.

Over the past three years, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office received more than $800,000 in grant funding for body cameras. This past year, the state awarded the office $40,000.

Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said many law enforcement agencies are competing for the funding, making the process highly competitive. If the office does not receive the same amount as in previous years, the cost will be absorbed by its operational budget. Despite the expense, Crisafulli emphasized the program’s value for both the public and police.

“Everything we do is captured. Everything we do,” he said. “So it provides the transparency and it provides the protection for our men and women.”

The grant is administered through the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy under the Police Accountability, Community and Transparency program.