Gov. Kathy Hochul, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Westchester District Attorney Susan Cacace, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Westchester County Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor were among those who gathered at the county’s public safety headquarters in Valhalla on the morning of Oct. 23 to announce that New York state has allocated $11.4 million to be used for modernizing technology at 33 police departments in the county.
The funding for Westchester is among $127 million to be distributed across the state to enhance technology available for law enforcement operations.
Jenkins noted that Westchester has experienced an 18% decrease in overall crime since last year and expressed a hope that the new funding to add additional technology will help produce additional reductions in crime.
“I’m incredibly proud of the dedicated men and women in law enforcement who work tirelessly to protect the people of Westchester County,” Jenkins said. “As the son of a New York City Police Officer, I know firsthand the toll this work can take, but I also know the immense pride that comes with achieving results like these. An 18% decrease in index crime is no small feat; it’s a testament to your hard work, commitment, and collaboration.”
In addition to the county’s Department of Public Safety, the funding will go to 32 other police departments in Westchester. Throughout New York, 378 police departments and sheriffs’ offices will share in the state’s $127 million allocation.
“I’m proud to support the men and women of law enforcement, and remain committed to enhancing the resources available to fight crime, protect our communities, and keep New Yorkers safe,” Hochul said.
The technology that is being funded includes body-worn cameras, tablet computers to be used in patrol cars and GPS devices that can be affixed to a suspect’s vehicle and will allow officers to track suspects while avoiding high-speed chases.
At the Valhalla event, it was noted that gun violence has decreased by double-digits in Mount Vernon and Yonkers. Shooting incidents with injuries have declined 42%, the number of individuals shot has decreased 46%, and three fewer individuals (4 vs. 7) have been killed this year compared with last year.
