TAMPA, Fla (WFLA) – The Tampa Police Department has filed for a federal grant with the Department of Justice to help add 600 body cameras for officers.
“Since 2015, we have had 60 cameras. We haven’t increased it since then, but we like what we see, and we have been looking for a way to expand that number,” said Steve Hegarty, Tampa Police Department’s Public Information Officer.
Hegarty says if they are awarded the grant it will help cover the costs of the cameras, which run just under $1,000 each.
“There will be additional costs beyond the grant; the grant doesn’t pay for everything. There are recurring costs, so we have been working with the Mayor and with the City. I think everyone is supportive. We are determined to move forward and the grant would help tremendously,” Hegarty added.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has high hopes the department will win the grant money and says more cameras is a win-win for everyone.
“It’s going to allow the public an inside view in what officers do every day. It will allow the citizens that transparency and it’s good for the officers as well,” added Mayor Jane Castor.
Hegarty says the police department should find out if they have been awarded the grant by September.