U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Daniel Maffei today announced $130,472 in federal funding for anti-crime initiatives in the City of Syracuse. The City of Syracuse will use $65,236 to purchase and install five new Neighborhood Criminal Observation and Protection System (COPS) Platform cameras on the Park Street Corridor. These policing cameras include a repeater, which will allow the new camera system to communicate with the previously installed cameras on Park Street. This new COPS camera system will allow City of Syracuse police officers to better investigate incidents taking place on the corridor. Onondaga County will use $65,236 to purchase additional equipment for law enforcement officers. This investment is part of Syracuse’s effort to increase essential law enforcement services to keep the community safe. The funding was allocated by the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.
“When it comes to protecting the residents of the City of Syracuse, we must be tough, smart, and prepared,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment in new equipment for the city’s law enforcement officers will help to 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 Syracuse,” said Senator Gillibrand. “By improving our local Police Department’s services, overall safety within our neighborhoods will be enhanced, creating a better environment for our families.”
“This critical funding gives City of Syracuse the additional resources they need to fight crime and protect the community,” said Rep. Dan Maffei. “Our brave men and women with the Syracuse Police Department work tirelessly to keep Central New York safe. Working with local and federal partners, I will continue taking action to ensure members of local enforcement have the resources they need to carry out their duties safely and successfully.”
“In a time when local budgets are constrained, the support of our federal partners in securing funding is crucial,” said Stephanie A. Miner, Mayor for the City of Syracuse. “This funding goes to the essential operations that keep our community safe. I appreciate the support of Syracuse’s federal delegation in making this happen.”
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.