FY26 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies
🏛 Bureau of Justice Assistance (USDOJ-OJP-BJA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 4, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for publicly funded law enforcement and correctional agencies seeking to purchase, lease, or implement body-worn camera (BWC) programs. Eligible applicants include state and local law enforcement agencies, correctional agencies, federally-recognized Tribes, units of local government, and authorized intermediaries like regional authorities or State Administrating Agencies. BWC programs must be comprehensive and support criminal investigations, prosecutions, and officer accountability. Applicants must commit to cost-sharing. Federal funds may support equipment purchases, policy development, and program implementation across the country.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2026 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program (BWCPIP) to Support Law Enforcement Agencies. This opportunity supports publicly funded law enforcement and correctional agencies for the purchase or lease of body-worn cameras (BWCs) and the development of comprehensive BWC programs. Since its inception, BWCPIP has responded to growing demand for reliable, real-time video evidence in criminal investigations and prosecutions. Law enforcement agencies across the country increasingly rely on BWC footage to enhance evidentiary documentation, improve prosecutorial outcomes, and document public encounters. BWCs also serve as a deterrent to assaults against officers and can help exonerate officers falsely accused of misconduct.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 Federal Application Form
- Project Narrative/Statement of Need
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Detailed BWC Policy Documentation
- Equipment Specifications and Vendor Quotes
- Implementation Timeline
- Letters of Support (if applicable)
- Proof of Cost-Share Commitment
- Organizational Capacity Documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Justice Assistance
- 📧 OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
- 📞 202-514-9354
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 16.835 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$26,000,000
-
$10,000,000
-
$6,180,000
-
$2,999,980
-
$2,000,000
-
$2,000,000
-
$1,999,996
-
$1,997,129
-
$1,865,593
-
$1,738,899
Top States by Funding
- MD 5 awards $43.3M
- NY 8 awards $10.2M
- CA 10 awards $4.9M
- OH 4 awards $3.8M
- FL 7 awards $3.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 16.835). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $8,590,000 | |
| 2025 | $18,900,329 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this funding?
Publicly funded law enforcement agencies, correctional agencies, and state/local government units can apply. Tribal nations and regional/state intermediaries also qualify as eligible entities.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, applicants must provide cost-sharing as part of their project budget.
What activities does this grant support?
Funding supports purchase or lease of body-worn cameras, policy development, and comprehensive BWC program implementation for evidence collection and accountability purposes.
What is the typical award amount?
Award amounts vary and can reach $2,000,000, though exact ranges depend on application competitiveness and available funding.
When is the deadline?
The application deadline is September 25, 2026.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly articulate your agency's BWC policies and procedures. Reviewers prioritize comprehensive, well-developed programs with clear accountability measures. Include training plans and data management protocols.
- Address law enforcement effectiveness directly. Explain how BWCs will improve prosecutorial outcomes, evidence documentation, and public safety. Use local crime data to support your case.
- Budget equipment costs carefully. Research vendor quotes and include detailed cost justifications. Consider equipment durability, storage needs, and long-term maintenance costs.
- Develop a realistic timeline. Show how you'll implement the program in phases. Include staff training schedules and policy rollout dates.
- Plan for sustainability beyond grant funding. Describe how your agency will maintain the program after federal funds expire. Address staffing, data management, and equipment replacement costs.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague or incomplete BWC policies fail review. Applicants must detail accountability procedures, officer conduct standards, and community transparency plans. Weak budget justifications are frequently rejected. Include specific vendor quotes, maintenance costs, and training expenses with detailed line-item explanations. Generic applications lack regional context. Tailor your proposal to your agency's specific crime challenges and operational needs.
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