Hernando County Sheriff Pursues Federal Funding for Body Cameras

By Staff Writer — The Brooksville Signal

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is moving toward greater transparency and accountability by exploring federal funding for body-worn cameras, a decision set to be discussed during the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners meeting on October 28.

According to the Board’s agenda, the Sheriff’s Office is considering participation in the FY 2025 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The national program provides $22.8 million in competitive funding to law-enforcement agencies across the country, with a maximum award of $2 million per agency.

The program supports the purchase, deployment, and management of body-worn cameras as well as training and data management systems. Funded projects run over a 36-month period, with a required 50/50 match between federal and local contributions. Eligible agencies must submit preliminary applications by October 27, 2025, and full applications by November 3, 2025, through the federal JustGrants system.

The move represents a significant shift for Hernando County, where community members and advocacy organizations have called for years to see deputies equipped with cameras. Public support for such programs has grown steadily nationwide, driven by evidence that body-worn cameras reduce use-of-force incidents, strengthen officer accountability, and protect both citizens and law enforcement from false claims.

Body-worn camera programs have also been shown to increase trust between agencies and the communities they serve. By providing objective documentation of encounters, these systems help ensure fair treatment, improve transparency in investigations, and support both officer safety and public confidence.

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office’s pursuit of this funding reflects a broader national trend toward modern, accountable policing practices. If approved by the Board of County Commissioners, the initiative would position Hernando County alongside other forward-looking agencies investing in technology that enhances justice, equity, and safety for all residents.