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Convicted criminals provide funding for police body cameras

Chris Caya/WBFO News
NY AG Letitia James presented checks to Buffalo Police Commisioner Byron Lockwood, Amherst Police Chief John Askey and Niagara Falls Police Superintendent Thomas Licata

Funding for body-worn cameras has been delivered to some local police departments. In Buffalo on Friday, New York Attorney General Letitia James presented checks to the Amherst, Niagara Falls and the Buffalo police departments. In total, the three agencies received $238,000 to purchase 442 body-worn cameras.

James said they are being paid for through the attorney general's CAMS program.

"This important program is funded with money recovered from organized crime takedowns carried out by the Attorney General's Office and I am pleased that we can use these funds to reinvest in our communities and for programs that truly benefit everyone," James said.

The money is not going toward purchasing extra equipment. Instead, the funding reimburses the departments for body-worn cameras that have already been purchased. James extolled the benefits of bodycams.

"The importance of body-worn cameras can not be overstated. They are critical tools for providing accountability, transparency and protecting public safety. And when I say public safety, I mean the safety of both civilians and the police officers who dedicate their lives to protecting us each and every day," she said.
 
James said other local law enforcement can also apply for the CAMS program.