Oak Ridge to accept $2.5M state grant for body cameras but asks lawmakers to broaden scope

Oak Ridge City Council voted to accept a $2.5 million state appropriation to purchase body-worn cameras for the police department, but staff told the council the grant as written would cover cameras only and not the additional hardware and software necessary to operate a functional digital-evidence system.

“The state budget earmarked $2.5 million for the city to purchase body-worn cameras,” the city’s representative on the item said, describing the restriction in the grant language. He said the city cannot use the appropriation to buy servers, evidence-management software, in-car camera systems or other mission-critical items needed to implement a fully operational system.

Staff recommended the council authorize the city manager to send letters to legislative leaders asking that the grant’s scope be expanded to allow use of funds for necessary equipment and systems. “Our best estimate is roughly $2.2 million more for the full implementation,” the staff member said, adding that the city would not be requesting additional state funds but rather permission to use the appropriation for the complete system.

Council members approved the resolution to accept the appropriation and directed staff to seek legislative help expanding the grant’s allowable uses. The city manager and staff said they would ask the lieutenant governor and the representative who helped secure the funds to pursue the change.

Next steps: staff will send formal letters to state legislative leaders and continue planning procurement and implementation details pending a scope expansion.