Justice Department Announces $20 Million In Funding To Support Body-Worn Camera Pilot Program

The United States Justice Department announced a $20 million pilot program for body-worn cameras on Friday.

The pilot program was part of President Barack Obama’s proposal to invest $75 million over three years to purchase 50,000 body-worn cameras for law enforcement agencies. 

The announced investment will allocate $17 million in competitive grants for the purchase of body-worn cameras, $2 million for training and technical assistance and $1 million for the development of evaluation tools to study best practices, according to a press release.

“This body-worn camera pilot program is a vital part of the Justice Department’s comprehensive efforts to equip law enforcement agencies throughout the country with the tools, support, and training they need to tackle the 21st century challenges we face,” said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch.

Shares of Digital Ally, Inc. DGLY surged amid the news to $14.48, up 3.50 percent.

TASER International, Inc. TASR also climbed higher and recently traded at $31.84, up 5.47 percent.

Shares of GoPro Inc GPRO moved up 1.07 percent to $50.62.