September 22, 2015

CASTRO STATEMENT ON $1M DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE GRANT FOR BODY-WORN POLICE CAMERAS IN SAN ANTONIO

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) today released the following statement after the Department of Justice awarded the City of San Antonio $1 million through its Body Worn Camera Pilot Implementation Program to support the San Antonio Police Department’s purchase and use of body-worn cameras:
 
“The tragic consequences of recent clashes between civilians and police officers highlight the urgent need for solutions. Body-worn cameras provide objective transparency that can save law enforcement and civilian lives. I’m glad that San Antonio’s Police Department received this significant funding and will now be able to expand its use of this transformative technology. Our officers and San Antonio residents alike will benefit from these cameras, the accountability they bring, and the trust they restore. Pursuing policies that support law enforcement and keep our communities safe will continue to be a top priority of mine in Congress.�
 
In June, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Castro’s amendment securing an additional $10 million for the Department of Justice grants supporting local law enforcement’s implementation of body-worn camera programs. Rep. Castro also sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch in support of the City of San Antonio’s body-worn camera grant application. 

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