TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- The Leon County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) is making strides in promoting officer accountability.
LCSO is set to receive a grant that would pay for 56 body cameras for patrol deputies.
The office has had a few body cameras for the purpose of training, but the goal is to equip all patrol deputies with the gear first -- and then eventually, the rest of the department.
The Sheriff's Office is eligible for a joint grant with the Tallahassee Police Department from the U.S. Department of Justice and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Funding for the body cameras comes from what's called the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program.
With the grant, the office is setting aside $71,000 to purchase the body cameras. While that's not enough for all patrol deputies, the office says having the cameras is essential in being more accurate and accountable in law enforcement.
"We want to be transparent in all the things that we do," said Lieutenant Grady Jordan. "It also gives the perspective of what the deputy is encountering. So, we get that perspective, we get some evidence perspective, and also, we get the transparency to citizens. It's a win-win for both sides."
That grant money will also benefit the Tallahassee Police Department.
TPD is investing $72,000 in equipment, including ballistic vests for canine officers.
