Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $306,302 in federal funding for anti-crime initiatives in Buffalo. The funding was allocated by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs and will be used to support safety initiatives to improve the Buffalo Police Department. More specifically, federal dollars will be used to fund a portion of the salary for a Juvenile prosecutor in the Erie County DA’s Office, upgrades and security enhancements to Erie County’s and the Buffalo Police Department’s record management systems, and new technology for Buffalo’s 311 system.
“When it comes to protecting Buffalo and Erie County residents, we must be tough, smart, and prepared,” said Senator Schumer. “These investments in new technology and trial support will allow Buffalo’s and Erie County’s law enforcement to better keep 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.”
“By improving the Buffalo Police Department’s services, overall safety within our neighborhoods will be enhanced,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These investments in the 311 and records management systems will help the department run more efficiently and better protect and serve the community, creating a better environment for families in the Buffalo area.”
“Public safety and crime prevention in the City of Buffalo remains a top priority of my administration,” said Mayor Byron Brown. “These vital grant funds will continue to help us bolster important and necessary law enforcement functions that provide high police visibility and address at-risk juvenile crime, further strengthening our ongoing efforts to combat violent crime and make our neighborhoods even safer for city residents, business owners and visitors. I thank our local federal delegation and the U.S. Department of Justice for providing these much needed funds for community safety and policing activities.”
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) 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.