Bynum seeks nearly $10M in federal funds for Central Oregon projects, includes over $2M for DCSO body cameras

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon Representative Janelle Bynum has requested nearly $10 million in federal funds for Central Oregon as Congress' deadline for grant requests approaches for the 2027 budget cycle. This request includes $2.298 million specifically for the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office to acquire new body-worn cameras and a Taser package.

The larger funding request from Rep. Bynum aims to assist several different agencies, including Redmond Child care, the Redmond Fire District and the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office seeks funds for new body-worn cameras and a Taser package. Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert noted that the department's current camera system is 5 years old.

Rupert stated, "Our current system is going on 5 years old, and, it won't be supported much longer at the end of this five years."

These new body cameras offer the ability to mute audio without turning off the camera, allowing officers to have privileged conversations while still recording video for transparency. The more than $2 million request for the Sheriff's Office aims to provide necessary financial offsets within the department.

Personnel costs represent a significant expenditure for the department, totaling nearly $54 million. Rupert emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility for the department.

"It's important that we live within our means. I have several expenditures that are hitting the budget this year. And so we thought if there was any way that we could help relieve some of our funding," Rupert said.

While acknowledging that government grants are ultimately paid for by taxes, Rupert stated that the costs benefit Deschutes County residents. Rep. Bynum views it as her duty to secure requested resources for her constituents.

Rep. Bynum said, "If it rises to the level of your elected officials and they tell me that it is important for the infrastructure of the county, then I believe them and they've put a lot of work into it. And so I would just want to make sure that you all have what you need, whenever you need it."

This funding remains a request that must pass through Congress and ultimately receive a signature from the President to be finalized.