AKRON, OH – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) is pleased to announce the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded the City of Akron $367,476 under the FY 2015 Body-Worn Camera Pilot Implementation Program.  With this grant and local matching funds, the Akron Police Department will be able to purchase at least 245 body cameras for use in 2016.

“I commend the U.S. Department of Justice for recognizing the City of Akron’s renewed commitment to improving community-police relations in northeast Ohio,” said Congresswoman Fudge.  “The pilot implementation program proves that we are all in this together. We must work collaboratively to improve transparency and accountability in our law enforcement.”

In June 2015, Congresswoman Fudge wrote the DOJ in support of the City of Akron’s body camera grant application.  In the letter, she highlighted the need for clear, data-driven policies to guide camera use, and the City’s existing partnerships with community entities, such as Kent State University.

Congresswoman Fudge continued, “I believe the use of body cameras will help provide more protection for both citizens and law enforcement.  Equipping officers with body-worn cameras is a step toward building and maintaining trust within our communities.”

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