Safer Streets: Governor Hochul Highlights $10.1 Million Investment in Law Enforcement Technology Across Capital Region

Governor Kathy Hochul today visited the East Greenbush Police Department to highlight more than $10.1 million in State investments that are enhancing law enforcement technology and equipment across the Capital Region. The funding, distributed last year, enables local police departments to modernize operations, improve officer safety and protect New Yorkers.

"As Governor, my top priority is the safety of New Yorkers. That is why I've distributed $127 million to local police departments statewide - funding that is delivering real results and contributing to a reduction in crime in local communities," Governor Hochul said. "Together with our local law enforcement partners, we will continue to ensure officers are properly equipped and trained to make New York safer for all."

The East Greenbush Police Department received nearly $400,000, which has already funded a new drone, dispatch center consoles, night vision goggles, portable radios and other essential purchases. The Schenectady Police Department received nearly $1.6 million, the Saratoga Springs Police Department received nearly $1.1 million, and the Town of Bethlehem Police Department received nearly $750,000. This funding comes as the Capital Region faces nearly $1 million in funding cuts to public safety emergency preparedness from the Federal government.

Other agencies throughout the Capital Region also received support to strengthen operations, expand investigative capacity and modernize equipment. A full rundown of statewide funding for law enforcement technology is available online.

The Governor also highlighted the latest statistics stemming from the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, which supports coordinated crime reduction efforts in 21 counties. The three Capital Region GIVE jurisdictions, Albany, Schenectady and Troy, have seen significant declines in gun violence this year. Compared to the same period in 2024, shooting incidents with injury are down 45 percent and the number of shooting victims has dropped 43 percent.

The GIVE program's collaborative approach extends beyond city borders, supporting safer outcomes in surrounding communities through data sharing, joint investigations and shared resources.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, "Governor Hochul's investments in technology are strengthening collaboration across law enforcement agencies and creating safer neighborhoods. By giving officers the tools and support they need, we are building stronger partnerships and more effective public safety strategies throughout the Capital Region and New York State."

East Greenbush Chief of Police Elaine M. Rudzinski said, "Governor Hochul's vital financial support has significantly enhanced officer safety and operational readiness through the upgrades of essential equipment for our department. We greatly appreciate the Governor's commitment to ensuring we have the necessary tools that help our officers perform their duties safely and effectively for our community."

Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly said, "I appreciate Governor Hochul's commitment to public safety. The funding provided is essential as law enforcement is facing increasing challenges every day."

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, "I proudly supported the funding for enhanced law enforcement technology in the NYS Budget and am glad to see the investment directed toward the East Greenbush Police Department and our other Capital Region communities. Enhancing the technological capabilities for our local law enforcement allows them to detect and solve crimes faster which leads to increased public safety for all and assists our law enforcement officers in their duties. Coupled with successful programs such as the GIVE program and this year's budget initiative to increase the age for hiring police officers to help expand the ranks, it is no surprise that we continue to see significant declines in crime statistics throughout our region and state. Thank you to Governor Hochul for supporting these efforts, and we will continue to invest in these important efforts to protect our communities."

East Greenbush Town Supervisor Jack Conway said, "We were honored to host Governor Hochul to thank her for the Law Enforcement Technology grant that has helped us modernize important aspects of service delivery and made our community even safer. This is what government looks like when it effectively works to fulfill its essential mission."

The Governor also noted the role of the Capital Region Crime Analysis Center, which has handled more than 10,000 requests for service so far this year, including 83 from the East Greenbush Police Department. The Center's support has helped solve cases ranging from locating missing vulnerable adults to identifying suspects tied to multi-jurisdictional fraud schemes, demonstrating how technology and collaboration strengthen investigations and keep communities safe.

The FY26 Enacted Budget maintained $347 million in unprecedented funding secured by Governor Hochul for gun violence prevention programs, including GIVE, and supports additional initiatives to improve public safety, expand support for victims and survivors of crime and strengthen communities.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the state's criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

Contact the Governor's Press Office