U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $30,798 in federal funding for anti-crime initiatives in the City of Poughkeepsie. The funding was allocated by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs and comes from the office’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department will use this funding to purchase and install a new street camera in an area of high need, as well as to purchase three new mobile data terminals (MDT’s). This new camera will allow Poughkeepsie police officers to better investigate incidents taking place on the street. The MDT units will allow police to look up data and research important information from the police vehicle without leaving the scene of a crime.
“When it comes to protecting the residents of Poughkeepsie, we must be tough, smart, and prepared,” said Senator Schumer. “These investments in new equipment will allow the City of Poughkeepsie’s law enforcement officers help keep our streets and neighborhoods safe. Making sure the brave men and women that serve in our police departments have the resources they need to continue their important work will always be a top priority of mine.”
“This is a great investment for Poughkeepsie,” Senator Gillibrand said. “By improving the Poughkeepsie Police Department’s services, overall safety within our neighborhoods will be enhanced, creating a better environment for our families.”
“The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department pursues grant funding to supplement its needs and to move the department forward into areas it could not normally fund. As grants become more competitive and less frequent, this presents a challenge as well,” Ronald J. Knapp, Chief of Police. “We thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for supporting the funding that finances the JAG grant. Without this support in the budget process, this money would not be available. We also thank them for supporting our application. Having these elected officials stand with us as it moves thru the various phases is critical to getting approval. This year’s grant will fund monies for our street camera project enhancement. This has already been effective in combating crime in the violent crime hot spots. It has not only deterred crime, but resulted in arrests and video footage for the successful prosecution of the cases. Additionally the monies will be used for replacement of the laptops in our patrol vehicles. This allows the officers on the street real time access to Federal, State and local databases to assist them in their duties.”
The Poughkeepsie Police Department will use these funds to enhance their street camera system and install three new mobile data terminals (MDTs). This new street camera will help Poughkeepsie police officers better investigate incidents taking place in the high-need area. The MDT units will allow police to look up important data from the police vehicle without leaving the scene of a crime. This will increase efficiency and allow for a higher number of officers to be deployed in the community, keeping residents safe.
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG), which is operated through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime. The goal of the program is to increase crucial law enforcement services as well as to improve and enhance services for victims and witnesses.