The state attorney general's office is helping to expand body camera programs at three police departments in Western New York.

State Attorney Barbara Underwood awarded Buffalo, Amherst, and Niagara Falls police departments with money from the Capture an Account of a Material Situation (CAMS) program.

Buffalo will be getting $150,000 for 300 body cams; Amherst will receive $37,625 to be able to buy 43 body cams, and Niagara Falls will get $51,791 to purchase for 64 body cams.

“Body-worn cameras help ensure increased accountability and transparency during law enforcement interactions,” Underwood said. “Yet too often, local police department don’t have the resources to buy them. By using funds recovered from our organized crime busts, we’re not able to equip local police departments across the state with body cameras — benefiting all New Yorkers as we work to ensure safe and fair communities.”

The Buffalo Police Department plans to launch its body camera program next month.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown thanked Underwood for the funding. “It’s vital that we continue to foster relationships between police, the community and residents. This program will provide the needed resources to help assist with accountability and transparency.”

State Senator Tim Kennedy said body cameras can improve the relationship and foster trust between officers and the communities they serve. “The funding provided by the attorney general’s CAMS program is a great opportunity for the Buffalo Police Department to expand their current use of body cameras to include the entire city, improving upon the critically-important job they are already doing every day.”