Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari Announces Wood County Police Department Body-Worn Camera Grant Awards

State Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg) supported the finalized budget package under House Bill 110 last year, which provided significant funding to implement and fund body-worn camera grant programs for law enforcement departments across the state. Ghanbari is a cosponsor of the bill and serves on the House Finance Committee where the budget went through the legislative process.

“I’ve demonstrated a consistent record of supporting our law enforcement professionals,” said Ghanbari. “With the budget bill now law, we’re beginning to see the implementation of many of the positive initiatives that it creates, which includes the body-worn cameras for police departments. This program will help both citizens and law enforcement seeking clarity and transparency when issues arise during traffic stops along with other incidents officers face while on the job.”

In Wood County, two entities received funding through the body-worn camera grant program awards including:

• $122,548.50 for the Bowling Green Police Division
• $28,776 for Bowling Green State University

“As the Mayor of Bowling Green, we are grateful for the support of Rep. Ghanbari, the legislature and the governor in our efforts to help maintain the public safety of our residents,” said Mayor of Bowling Green Mike Aspacher.

The budget includes $10 million for grants to state and local law enforcement to either implement or enhance body camera programs for Fiscal Years 22-23. House Bill 110 also contains funding for security grants for churches and non-profits, school safety grants and crime reduction grants.

Ghanbari continues to encourage transparency and engagement with first responders through his nationwide #RideAlongAndLearn challenge, imploring elected officials to participate in ride-alongs with law enforcement and first responders to better advocate for their needs. His support of this grant program is an example of meeting the needs of law enforcement. 

House Bill 110 was signed into law in July 2021.