INDIANAPOLIS—Last week, the City of Gary’s application for the Local Body Camera Grant was approved with full funding. The city will receive $88,000, the second-largest award in this year’s cycle, to go toward body cameras for Gary law enforcement officers. Senate Assistant Democratic Leader and Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee Eddie Melton (D-Gary) released the following statement:

“During the height of unrest following the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in 2020, residents of Gary and the state made it clear that they wanted more accountability and safety in our criminal justice system. That’s why I was pleased to help successfully work with faith leaders, Hoosiers, legislators in both chambers and organizations throughout Indiana to pass the historic Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 1006 with overwhelming bipartisan support. Now, funding approved in that critical legislation is being used to fund the Local Body Camera Grant Program in Gary.

“This is an important step in the right direction, and I will be pushing for ongoing funding to provide the necessary hardware and tools to make this program as effective as possible. Strengthening accountability and transparency in our law enforcement agencies was exactly why HEA 1006 was drafted, and I’m happy that we’re seeing the impact of this bill in communities like mine. As ranking minority member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue fighting for essential police reform and training to help our law enforcement agencies run effectively in Gary and across Indiana. Ensuring safety and promoting trust among law enforcement and our communities is a top priority of mine.”

Gary Chief of Police Brian Evans had the following comments:

“I’m very appreciative of the support we’ve received from the state and from Sen. Melton in securing funding for the Local Body Camera program. Getting the funding to implement this program fulfills a personal goal of mine as well as a request from the Gary Police Reform Commission. This initiative will allow us to better promote safety and transparency in our streets, and I look forward to the increased security for citizens and officers that this change will bring to our community.”