Moses Lake police to apply for body camera grant

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Police Department announced they will be applying for a grant to set up a body camera program.

The MLPD will be applying for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), which provides federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions to support law enforcement, courts, corrections, drug treatment, and other areas.

Moses Lake was allocated $10,619 in grant funds for the 2016-2018 grant cycle, according to Capt. Mike Williams. There are specific areas the funds must be allocated toward, one of which is to assist with obtaining body cameras. If the department receives the grant, the MLPD will be using the funds to begin the process of setting up a body camera program.

“Currently, the department is evaluating two different body camera systems. Depending on which system is chosen, it is likely the grant money would pay for between five and eight cameras, as well as evidence storage, for the two-year life period of the grant,” Williams said. “As other funds become available, the department plans to outfit all of our officers with cameras.”

The MLPD is required to notify the public of their intent to apply for the grant, as well as provide an opportunity for community members to comment on the application. To submit comments on the grant application, people can contact Capt. Mike Williams by phone at 509-764-3900 or via email at mwilliams@cityofml.com before July 1.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.