West RGV News

The Mission Police Department will receive additional body-worn cameras to outfit its officers.

An $18,825 federal fund was awarded to the Department of Justice’s Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies initiative. The funds will be used to purchase 30 body-worn cameras to help reduce crime, enhance public safety, and improve interactions between police officers and residents.

“It’s critical our police officers have the necessary resources to protect lives and improve police-community relations in our community,” U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Laredo) said in a news release. “These funds will allow the department to purchase additional body-worn cameras in order to enhance transparency, promote accountability and advance public safety for law enforcement officers and our city.”

Bodycams have been a great advantage for U.S. law enforcement agencies since they can be used to provide evidence for legal procedures, law enforcement training opportunities based on the analysis of the captured video, and enhanced safety of, and improved interactions between, both police officers and the public, Cuellar said.

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fund programs that support our law enforcement and protect our community,” he added. “I would like to thank the City of Mission, including Mayor Armando O’Caña, City Council, and Chief of Police Robert Dominguez, for their commitment to improving officer and community safety as well as increasing mutual trust.”