Nogales Police Department advances body worn camera program with $67K grant and donations

The City of Nogales is set to enhance its law enforcement capabilities with the implementation of a new body-worn camera program, following a comprehensive update from Police Chief Jimenez during the city council meeting on February 5, 2025. The initiative, supported by a $67,000 grant from the Bureau of Justice, aims to equip all 58 sworn officers with body cameras, significantly improving transparency and accountability within the police department.

Chief Jimenez detailed the multi-phase rollout of the program, which began with the grant application in winter 2024 and progressed through vendor demonstrations, ultimately selecting Axon as the equipment provider. Notably, the department received a generous donation of 52 cameras from the Marana Police Department, allowing for substantial cost savings and ensuring that additional funds can be allocated for maintenance and backup equipment.

The chief emphasized the importance of updating the city’s fee structure for public records related to body camera footage, ensuring compliance with Arizona Revised Statutes. This adjustment is crucial as the retrieval of video footage can incur significant costs, and the updated fees will help manage these expenses effectively.

In addition to the body camera program, the council approved an order to accept a substantial grant from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, amounting to $1,776,280, which will support the establishment of a 24-hour operation center, a mobile data project, and enhancements to the canine program. This funding, paired with matching city funds of $1,370,000, underscores the city’s commitment to bolstering public safety resources.

As the police department prepares for training sessions with Axon in the coming weeks, the community can anticipate a more transparent and accountable law enforcement presence in Nogales. The successful implementation of these programs is expected to foster greater trust between the police and the community, paving the way for improved public safety outcomes.