GPD likely to receive key grant for new cameras

The Grafton Police Department expects to be awarded a $44,000 grant it will use to offset the costs of replacing and upgrading body cameras and in-car video systems.

Police Chief Jeff Caponera applied for the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Small, Rural and Tribal Body Worn Camera grant in August and was notified on Dec. 31 the police department was one of few recommended for funding out of more than 1,000 applicants. Caponera said he expects the department to be officially awarded the funds on Jan. 31.

Once the award is announced, Caponera said he will present purchase options to the Public Safety Committee.

Trustee Dave Antoine applauded Caponera for securing the funds.

“It’s impressive all the grants you find,” he said.

The department currently relies on a Panasonic arbitrator system for body cameras that Caponera said requires frequent repairs.

“We’re having a lot of problems with our body cameras where they are out for service and there a minimal available to us,” he said.

He added that there are not enough cameras for every officer in the department, creating an issue if many officers needed to respond to an incident.

“If we had a major call out, I wouldn’t be able to outfit everyone with body-worn cameras,” Caponera said.

Under the new camera system, there would be enough cameras for each officer. The new camera systems would also include a warranty that upgrades cameras when new technology is available.

While waiting for the funds to arrive, Caponera said, he is working with a vendor on purchasing new body and vehicle cameras.

The chief said he expects new body and vehicle cameras to cost about $178,000 — a pricey upgrade but one that would save the department from regular costs associated with repairing its cameras.

“It is going to be a pricey venture but it is going to be well worth the investment,” Caponera said.

The village has already budgeted $20,000 in both its 2022 and 2023 capital improvement program for new body cameras.

Caponera said the camera vendor he is working with offers a 60-month payment program that would allow the village to pay the same price over a longer period of time. He proposed the village could fund the $178,000 over five years using budgeted capital improvement funds, grant money and other department funds.