Law Enforcement Camera Grant

Program Description
The Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board (“ILETSB” or “Board”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to advance civil rights and equity, expand access to justice, support crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, enhance community safety, protect the public from crime and emerging threats, and strengthen trust between law enforcement and the community.

The purpose of this program is to provide grants to Illinois police agencies of municipalities, counties, park districts, state-controlled universities, colleges or public community colleges and all units of Illinois local government for the purchase or lease of in-car video cameras for use in law enforcement vehicles; officer-worn body cameras for law enforcement officers and data storage related to officer-worn cameras; and training for law enforcement officers in the operation of the cameras (20 Ill. Adm. Code 1705 100-199).

The State of Illinois, ILETSB and the law enforcement community acknowledge that effective policing depends on a foundation of trust and mutual respect between law enforcement agencies and the communities they protect and serve. Without this trust, the legitimacy of policing practices and the overall integrity of the criminal justice system can be undermined. In recent years, officer-worn body cameras and in-car video cameras have emerged as an important tool. The passage of Illinois’ Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity – Today (SAFE-T) Act (Public Act 101-0652)1 made changes to the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act which required all law enforcement agencies to implement body-worn cameras by January 1, 2025. 

Cameras offer several key benefits. They provide a modern and reliable way to collect evidence during interactions between officers and the public. They also offer valuable material for training and professional development by allowing agencies to review real encounters and improve officer performance. In situations where disputes arise or accusations of misconduct are made, body‑worn cameras can provide an objective record, helping to resolve incidents fairly and transparently.

Recognizing both the benefits of this technology and the importance of its responsible use, the General Assembly has implemented standardized protocols and procedures for body‑worn cameras statewide. These guidelines are intended to ensure that the technology is used effectively, consistently, and with appropriate safeguards to protect individual privacy. By establishing uniform standards, the General Assembly and ILETSB aims to maximize the benefits of body-worn and in-car cameras while enhancing transparency, reinforcing and strengthening community trust, supporting effective policing practices, and promoting fairness within the criminal justice system (50 ILCS 706 and 50 ILCS 707). This grant program is utilizing State funds appropriated by the General Assembly [0356-56901-4470-0025 and 0356-56901-4470-0000]. Total amount of funding available through this NOFO is roughly $36.2 million. Awards will range from $1 to $3,000,000.

Anticipated award announcement by April 1, 2027. The period of performance is expected to be 7/1/2026 (to include pre-award costs prior to 7/1/2026) through 6/30/2031.

The Law Enforcement Camera Grant Fund was created as a special fund in the State treasury. From appropriations to the Board from the Fund, the Board must make grants to Illinois municipalities, counties, park districts, state-controlled universities, colleges or public community colleges and all units of local government for the purpose of:

1) purchasing or leasing in-car video cameras for use in law enforcement vehicles,
2) purchasing or leasing officer-worn body cameras and associated technology for law enforcement officers,
3) training law enforcement officers in the operation of the cameras, and
4) data storage and related licensing costs for officer-worn body cameras.

For the purpose of this Section, “purchasing or leasing” includes providing funding to units of local government in advance that can be used to obtain this equipment rather than only for reimbursement of purchased equipment.

The acquisition of equipment and the operation of an agency camera program has grown into a significant cost for many police departments. For this reason, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) intends to offer these grants as advance payment, reimbursement and working capital advance opportunities, when qualified.

Pre-award costs are allowed for this opportunity.

The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Board to make an award. Administered by the LETSB via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 569-00-3496).