Rhode Island General Laws Title 42. State Affairs and Government § 42-161-3. Powers of attorney general and department of public safety--Establishment of grant program

(a) The director of the department of public safety is hereby authorized, within available funds, to award grants and other forms of funding to facilitate the adoption of body-worn cameras by Rhode Island police departments. The director of the department of public safety may also coordinate state applications for federal funds available for body-worn camera adoption.

(b) The director of the department of public safety may, in coordination with the department of administration, facilitate body-worn camera procurement by Rhode Island police departments through state master price agreement contracts in accordance with § 37-2-56.

(c) The attorney general and the director of the department of public safety, in consultation with the Rhode Island police chiefs' association, are responsible for developing statewide policies, procedures, and guidelines for the use and operation of body-worn cameras.

(d) The attorney general and the director of the department of public safety, in consultation with the Rhode Island police chiefs' association, may survey and assess police department body-worn camera needs, evaluate body-worn camera solutions and budgetary costs, and facilitate the provision of technical assistance for Rhode Island police departments adopting body-worn cameras.

(e) All appropriations in support of provisions of this chapter shall be housed within the department of public safety.

(f) No money appropriated in the state budget shall be awarded for Rhode Island police department body-worn camera expenses incurred before or after the state-supported implementation period.

(g) No money appropriated in the state budget shall be distributed for Rhode Island police department body-worn camera expenses before rules and regulations are promulgated pursuant to § 42-161-4.