Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul visited the Town of Tonawanda Police Department to discuss a state investment of more than $19 million in law enforcement technology for police agencies across Western New York. The visit included a tour and demonstration of equipment purchased with these funds, such as a new 3D scanner for documenting crime scenes and accidents, a virtual reality training system, and updated communications gear. These upgrades are part of a larger $127 million initiative distributed to 378 police departments and sheriffs’ offices statewide.
Governor Hochul stated, “Good morning everyone. It’s been a great homecoming for me. I spent a lot of time in Tonawanda as an Erie County Clerk because we had a DMV office here, right, Carl? Yes we did. Yes, we did a lot of time out here providing services to our residents. And so, it’s great to be back here.”
She expressed gratitude towards law enforcement personnel: “But this is also just an opportunity for me to say thank you to everyone who decides they want to be a member of law enforcement, goes through the rigors of training, is part of a team, an incredible community, and I want to just let them know how grateful I am to all of them for what they do. Because of what they do, we all sleep better at night, more safely in our beds. And I’m also grateful to every one of them.”
Hochul highlighted leadership within the department: “Certainly our leadership matters as well. Chief James Stauffiger, I want to thank him for embracing these opportunities and his overall leadership. But, the enthusiasm with which he approached the opportunity to have money from the state and to deploy it for his members to make them even more effective. So, thank you Chief.” She also acknowledged other local officials present.
The governor described some recent technological developments adopted by local police: “So I just had an opportunity to check out some of the crime fighting technology… we’re always trying to stay a step ahead of the criminals.” She referenced new tactics used by criminals and emphasized preventive measures such as fob protectors against car theft.
On funding allocation specifics Hochul said: “That’s why I’ve committed $127 million to technology upgrades across the state for law enforcement. Here in Western New York, it’s nearly [$19] million. And the Tonawanda Police Department, they’ve received $734,000.” She detailed various technologies now in use including drones and forensic analysis tools like 3D scanners that can document thousands of data points quickly at crime scenes.
Hochul discussed broader strategies beyond technology investments: “So that’s just one part of my holistic approach to protecting the public… In Western New York we’ve embraced other strategies,” mentioning initiatives like the Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative ($6 million), SNUG Street Outreach programs ($3.2 million), Project Rise ($2 million), and expanded support for regional crime analysis centers ($1.5 million).
She addressed changes made in legal frameworks around bail laws and discovery rules due to high rates at which domestic violence cases were dismissed on technical grounds: “We heard a lot about the need for changes in our laws… We also had a change… our discovery laws because — our prosecutors will tell you — …cases are being thrown out on technicalities; that if there was a piece of paper as well as a digital copy…”
Discussing red flag laws following incidents like the Buffalo shooting she added: “And stronger red flag laws — this is how you have that early warning system based on what someone has said… after the Buffalo shooting I went back to my team and said ‘What could we have done?'”
Citing statistics from Tonawanda she noted improvements attributed partly to these efforts: “And let’s look at Tonawanda. Again congratulations. Index crime is down 11 percent… Violent crime down 36 percent.” Similar declines were reported throughout Erie County.
Summarizing her administration’s strategy she stated: “…this is how you fight crime. You fund the police at record levels… nearly $3 billion for law enforcement… Equipping them with best police technology…” She contrasted these efforts with recent federal budget cuts affecting counter-terrorism resources.
In closing Hochul remarked: “…you’ll never hear me say that ‘mission accomplished’ or ‘done’ because one crime victim is one too many…” expressing ongoing commitment toward improving public safety statewide.
