Governor Kathy Hochul visited the East Greenbush Police Department to highlight more than $10.1 million in state funding for law enforcement technology and equipment across the Capital Region. The funds, distributed last year, are aimed at helping local police departments modernize their operations, improve officer safety, and protect residents.
“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 from this investment. The department has used these funds for new equipment including a drone, dispatch center consoles, night vision goggles, portable radios, and other purchases considered essential by the agency. Other departments also benefited: Schenectady Police received almost $1.6 million; Saratoga Springs Police got about $1.1 million; and Town of Bethlehem Police received nearly $750,000.
This state support comes as federal funding for public safety emergency preparedness in the Capital Region faces cuts of nearly $1 million.
Additional agencies throughout the region have also received resources to strengthen operations and update investigative tools. A full list of statewide law enforcement technology funding can be found online.
The Governor pointed out recent statistics from the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. This program supports coordinated crime reduction efforts in 21 counties statewide. According to data from Albany, Schenectady, and Troy—three Capital Region GIVE jurisdictions—shooting incidents with injury have dropped 45 percent this year compared to the same period last year; shooting victims declined by 43 percent.
The GIVE program encourages collaboration beyond city boundaries through data sharing and joint investigations among agencies.
“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.”
Governor Kathy Hochul
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado commented on the impact of these investments: “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 added: “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 stated: “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 highlighted his role supporting these measures: “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 role of technology was further underscored by mention of work done by regional analysis centers such as The Capital Region Crime Analysis Center—which handled over 10,000 requests so far this year—including dozens from East Greenbush Police—to assist investigations ranging from missing persons cases involving vulnerable adults through multi-jurisdictional fraud schemes.
In addition, New York’s FY26 Enacted Budget maintained $347 million dedicated specifically toward gun violence prevention programs—including GIVE—and other initiatives focused on improving public safety services statewide.
The Division of Criminal Justice Services continues its broad support functions including training criminal justice professionals; managing accreditation programs; overseeing critical field equipment; administering grants; analyzing crime data; providing research assistance; coordinating probation services; developing alternatives-to-incarceration programs; as well as shaping youth justice policy.
