The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has received a second grant for its body-worn cameras program.

The $70,000 comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistance Awards for Body-Worn Cameras to Small, Rural and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies.

It follows a $67,012.50 grant earlier in the year from the Ohio Department of Criminal Justice Services.

The total of the two grants will cover 140 of 167 body-worn cameras for the sheriff’s office.

The application for the Bureau of Justice Assistance Award money was submitted through the Washington County Commissioners with the help of the county’s grant department staff, Rob Grant and Philip Schaffer, and in cooperation with Sheriff Larry Mincks and Chief Deputy Mark Warden.

“This award will make it possible for our sheriff’s office to continue providing a high level of transparency, accountability and safety to the citizens of Washington County,” Commission President Kevin Ritter said.

“Body-worn cameras are a vital tool for law enforcement agencies to increase accountability and build trust with the communities they serve,” said Bureau of Justice Assistance Director Karhlton F. Moore.

Justice and Security Strategies Inc., a criminal justice consulting firm, was chosen to administer the grant program and provide customized training and technical assistance to those receiving grants. JSS Project Director Dr. Shellie Solomon said the company has seen an increased number of awards for 22 states, demonstrating the widespread interest in enhancing protection for both officers and citizens.