The state has awarded nearly $149,000 to nine law enforcement agencies in the Mahoning and Trumbull valleys to support body-worn camera programs, the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services announced.

The grants, part of the fourth round of the Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program, will fund both new and existing programs.

Three agencies will use the funding to establish new body camera programs: the Village of New Middletown Police Department, receiving $1,710.71; Youngstown State University Police Department, receiving $41,548.00; and Warren Township Police Department in Trumbull County, receiving $4,823.00.

Six agencies will expand or upgrade existing programs: Perry Township Police Department in Columbiana County, receiving $21,560.00; the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, receiving $17,152.00; Canfield Police Department, receiving $30,000.00; Cortland Police Department in Trumbull County, receiving $6,216.00; Lordstown Police Department in Trumbull County, receiving $15,000.00; and Liberty Township Police Department in Trumbull County, receiving $36,960.00.

The Office of Criminal Justice Services received $14.4 million in grant requests for this round of funding. Priority was given to agencies establishing new programs, with remaining funds allocated to existing programs for upgrades, storage capacity, or personnel.

The grants aim to assist local law enforcement agencies with the costs associated with body-worn camera equipment and related expenses.