WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice has awarded nearly $500,000 in federal grants to five Virginia localities to purchase law enforcement body cameras. 

The grants, which require a local funding match and development of a comprehensive implementation and training program, were awarded to police agencies in the following Virginia communities:

Newport News Sheriff's Office –  $209,944

City of Lynchburg –  $205,486

City of Waynesboro – $36,445

City of Fairfax – $28,878

Dinwiddie County – $16,200

VA Total – $496,953

“Body cameras are a big step forward in efforts to better protect public safety officers and the citizens they serve," Sen. Warner said. "Used responsibly, body-worn cameras can help to build more transparency and trust between police officers and the communities they protect.”

“The use of body cameras is an approach that can continue to build positive relationships between police and the communities they bravely serve,” Sen. Kaine said. “By investing in these tools, we can also improve transparency and ensure families and law enforcement in the Commonwealth remain safe.”

The grants, awarded through the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, are designed to support body cameras as a law enforcement strategy aimed at improving public safety, reducing crime, and improving trust between police and the public. Nationally, the Justice Department announced grants this week totaling more than $23.2 million to 73 law enforcement agencies in 32 states to expand the use of body cameras. More information on the federal program is available here.