Summary: New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $36 million funding package for law enforcement agencies in 28 communities across the state as part of her administration’s continued effort to combat gun violence. The grants, part of the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, support equipment, overtime, staffing, and training. Since Hochul took office, shootings in GIVE jurisdictions have dropped 52%, and 2024 saw the lowest number of shootings with injuries since statewide tracking began in 2006. The funding—backed by the FY26 state budget’s $347 million allocation for violence prevention—targets areas with historically high violent crime outside New York City. Preliminary data show double-digit reductions in violent and property crimes in participating regions, including Long Island, where Nassau and Suffolk counties reported significant declines. State officials and law enforcement leaders praised the initiative as a model for data-driven, collaborative public safety investment.
Safer Streets: Governor Hochul Announces $36 Million to Law Enforcement Agencies in 28 Communities to Sustain Progress in the State’s Fight Against Gun Violence
Continued, Record-Level State Investment has Contributed to a 52 Percent Reduction in Gun Violence in GIVE Communities Since Governor Hochul Took Office. State Funding Through the Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative Covers Equipment, Overtime, Personnel Costs, Enhanced Training and Technical Assistance.
Governor Kathy Hochul today, joined by local law enforcement and elected officials including County Executive Ed Romaine, visited the Suffolk County Police Academy to announce that $36 million has been awarded to local law enforcement agencies across the state to bolster efforts to reduce gun violence. A nationally recognized program, the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative provides law enforcement agencies in 28 communities outside of New York City with state funding for equipment, overtime, and personnel, as well as comprehensive, focused training and technical assistance. As a result, between 2021 and 2024, shootings in GIVE jurisdictions dropped 52 percent. Last year, shooting incidents with injury reached the lowest point since the state began tracking data in 2006. In 2024, Long Island had the lowest number of shootings in recent recorded history.
“Public safety is my top priority, and since taking office, my administration has been laser focused on working with local law enforcement to drive down gun violence across New York,” Governor Hochul said. “The GIVE initiative is a crucial part of our comprehensive plan to reduce firearm-related violent crime — and it’s working. That’s why we are doubling down and reinvesting $36 million to ensure that law enforcement agencies across the state have the tools they need to stop shootings and proactively prevent gun violence.”
The State’s multifaceted plan to continue supporting local law enforcement and community partners on the front lines of fighting gun violence have helped local law enforcement reduce shooting incidents significantly. 28 GIVE police departments – across 21 counties – typically report the highest volume of violent crime outside the five boroughs. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s continued investment in the GIVE initiative, between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2025, GIVE police departments reported 242 shooting incidents with injury, down from 281 during the same period in 2024. The number of people shot declined from 354 to 275, and there were nine fewer gun violence-related deaths (49 vs. 58).
This marks the third consecutive year in which Governor Hochul has secured record-level funding for GIVE: $36.38 million, with $36 million awarded and the remainder reserved for emerging needs identified by participating agencies. Nine agencies on Long Island will receive nearly $2.7 million in funding:
Nassau County – $1,345,223
- Nassau County Police Department – $486,223
- Nassau County Probation Department – $324,000
- Hempstead Village Police Department – $270,000
- Nassau County District Attorney – $225,000
- Nassau County Sheriff’s Office – $40,000
Suffolk County – $1,333,943
- Suffolk County District Attorney – $564,291
- Suffolk County Police Department – $459,998
- Suffolk County Probation Department – $176,256
- Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office – $133,398
Collectively, communities participating in GIVE also saw reductions in all seven index crime categories – four violent (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and three property (burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft) – during the first quarter of 2025 when compared to the same period last year. Preliminary data reported to DCJS showed an 18 percent reduction in total index crimes, a 19 percent decrease in violent crime, and an 18 percent decline in property crimes. Long Island saw similar preliminary trends, with the Nassau County and Suffolk County police departments reporting double-digit decreases in total index crime, violent crime, and property crime reported, and the Hempstead Police reporting double-digit reductions in total index crime and violent crime, and an eight percent decline in property crime.
Data released by the New York City Police Department earlier this week also show positive trends, with a 23 percent reduction in shooting victims, a 22 percent decrease in shooting incidents, and five percent decline in crime complaints through July 20, 2025, compared to the same period last year.
Investments by Region
- Capital Region
- Central New York
- Finger Lakes
- Hudson Valley
- Southern Tier
- Western New York
- Jefferson County
- Oneida County
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s unwavering commitment to public safety, New York continues to see record reductions in gun violence. This funding ensures that our local law enforcement agencies and community organizations can build on the strategies that are working, saving lives, strengthening communities, and restoring trust. I am so proud of my DCJS team members who provide our partners across the state with the tools, training, and resources that allow them to sustain this progress.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The GIVE initiative continues to produce results that matter. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment and the leadership of the Division of Criminal Justice Services, law enforcement agencies across the state are better equipped to target and reduce gun violence. This funding supports the critical work being done on the ground, providing local agencies with the tools, training, and resources they need to keep their communities safe. The New York State Police is proud to support our partners in this effort and remains committed to doing everything we can to protect the people of New York.”
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “This funding is a vital investment in the safety and well-being of New Yorkers. By directing this funding to local law enforcement and public safety partners through the GIVE initiative, we are reinforcing evidence-based strategies that are driving down gun violence and saving lives. Our communities throughout the state have made tremendous progress, and this continued investment ensures that momentum continues. I was proud to work with Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie, and my Senate Majority colleagues to deliver $347 million in this year’s budget to support GIVE and other gun violence prevention efforts across the state.”
State Senator Monica Martinez said, “When it comes to protecting our streets from gun violence, we must ‘GIVE’ law enforcement agencies the funding they need to succeed. These grants help make Suffolk County and other recipient communities safer, as proven by the double-digit declines in shooting-related incidents with injury and shooting deaths. I thank Governor Hochul and the Division of Criminal Justice Services for prioritizing this investment in safer neighborhoods across New York.”
State Senator Siela Bynoe said, “Gun violence is a public health crisis in New York State, and I am grateful to Governor Hochul for taking action to reduce the number of individuals injured or killed in this epidemic. Community-based solutions like the GIVE initiative, which supports Nassau’s law enforcement in their mission to combat gun violence in our neighborhoods, are critical to maintaining statewide progress in reducing shooting incidents. While Nassau County has an extraordinary safety record, there is more work to be done, and this initiative proves to be an invaluable resource.”
Assembly Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos said, “New York continues to lead the nation with bold, innovative strategies that combine precision policing with community-driven public safety. This record-level investment of $36 million underscores our state’s unwavering commitment to real solutions to reduce gun violence. This investment builds on the progress New York has made in saving lives, curbing illegal firearms, and empowering the communities we serve. As a former Detective and Police Officer, I’ve seen firsthand how funds like these provide the necessary resources, focused training, modern technology, and data-driven strategies that produce tangible, measurable results. The numbers speak for themselves: fewer shootings, fewer victims, and safer communities. I commend Governor Hochul for her continued partnership and leadership in ensuring that Long Island and New York State continue to be a safe and prosperous places to live, work, and visit.”
Assemblymember Charles Lavine said, “Since being sworn-in, Governor Hochul has remained laser-focused on fighting crime through all means at her disposal. This includes providing financial support for local law enforcement to ensure it has the necessary resources to do its job and enacting legislation, like my ghost guns bill, designed to keep dangerous firearms off the streets. I am proud of the great progress made so far and look forward to continuing to work with her to prevent senseless violence from occurring and keeping our communities as safe as possible.”
Public safety is my top priority, and since taking office, my administration has been laser focused on working with local law enforcement to drive down gun violence across New York.”
Governor Hochul
Assemblymember Judy Griffin said, “Reducing gun violence is directly linked to public safety. I am proud to live in a state where our constituents know this and demand that we continue to take action. This vital funding will ensure that our local police departments have the equipment and technical assistance needed to continue their fight. Public safety is a top priority for my constituents, and I thank the Governor for designating a portion of this funding to police agencies that serve Nassau County residents.”
Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for these funds that will provide essential support to our local law enforcement as they work to reduce gun violence, and strengthen safety in our neighborhood. State investments like the GIVE initiative help ensure officers have the training and tools they need to stay safe, protect the public, and build trust within the community.”
Assemblymember Tommy John Schiavoni said, “I would like to thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and steadfast commitment to keeping our communities safe. Governor Hochul’s continued investment in the GIVE initiative is saving lives and making our communities safer. This targeted support for law enforcement and evidence-based violence prevention strategies has produced real, measurable results. I am especially grateful for the funding directed to Long Island, where local agencies are working tirelessly to reduce gun violence and improve public safety for all residents.”
Assemblymember Kwani O’Pharrow said, “Together, we invest in safer streets and stronger communities as we tackle gun violence head on with unwavering support and commitment from our Governor.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for providing Suffolk County with vital resources to address gun violence and domestic abuse in our communities. These grants help ensure that our law enforcement officers have the tools they need to protect our families, support survivors, and build safer neighborhoods for everyone who calls Suffolk home.”
Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner Kevin Catalina said, “The grant money builds upon our success in fighting gun violence, providing funds to focus on enforcement and community outreach efforts. The SCPD extends our gratitude to Governor Hochul for the GIVE grant funding which enhances our public safety efforts in Suffolk County.”
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. said, “The GIVE grant has been a critical tool in our efforts to reduce gun violence by funding key personnel and supporting programs that reach at-risk youth before trouble does. This is what real collaboration looks like, and we’re proud to continue this vital work together. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her investment in this initiative to help keep Suffolk County and our communities safe.”
Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin said, “It is devastating and unacceptable that gun violence is still the leading cause of death for children in the United States. I deeply commend the Governor for taking action—investing in law enforcement and delivering the tools our county needs to safeguard our children. Today marks a significant step forward in our fight to keep our kids safer in Suffolk County, ensuring that their future is not defined by the fear of violence but rather the promise of hope and possibility.”
Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund Founder Linda Beigel Schulman said, “I thank Governor Hochul for her visit to Suffolk County and her steadfast support to prevent gun violence. I worked closely with her to make red flag laws in New York a reality. Her commitment to better funding for community policing is crucial to deterring crime. We must always do more, and I know the governor is committed to progress.”
GIVE data for each of the 28 police departments and an interactive dashboard featuring current year and annual historical data are available on the Statistics page of the state Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) website.
View the breakdown of funding awarded to GIVE police departments, and district attorneys’ offices, probation departments, and sheriffs’ offices in 21 counties outside of New York City for the contract period July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026: Albany, Broome, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Dutchess, Erie, Jefferson, Monroe, Nassau, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Rensselaer, Rockland, Schenectady, Suffolk, Tompkins, Ulster, and Westchester. DCJS administers GIVE grants and provides training and technical assistance to partner agencies through the program, which requires agencies to use evidence-based strategies to reduce shootings, save lives and combat violent crime.
The FY26 Enacted Budget sustained unprecedented funding secured by Governor Hochul, including $347 million for GIVE and other gun violence prevention programs, as well as additional initiatives to improve public safety, expand support for victims and survivors of crime, and strengthen communities.
The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the state’s criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
July 23, 2025
Albany, NY
Sources: Governor.NY.gov , Big New York News BigNY.com
TV 503 News New York
Civilian Guns vs. Homicide Rates
| Country | Civilian Guns (Approx.) | Guns per 100 People | Intentional Homicides per 100k |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | ~6.15 M | 3.2 | 21.741 |
| Brazil | ~17.5 M | 8.3 | 19.275 |
| India | — | ~3.5 | 2.832 |
| Mexico | ~16.8 M | 12.9 | 24.859 |
| South Africa | ~5.35 M | ~9.0 | 45.534 |
| United States | ~393 M | 120.5 | ~6.8 |
- Civilian Guns: The U.S. has about 393 million civilian-owned firearms—more guns than people—and a rate of 120.5 guns per 100 residents Legal Reader+12Wikipedia+12Vox+12TIME+2Bureau of Justice Statistics+2Legal Reader+2Small Arms Survey+6Wikipedia+6MercoPress+6.
- Homicide Rate: The U.S. intentional homicide rate is around 6.8 per 100,000, the most recent CDC data reports 22,830 homicides in 2023, equating to 6.8 per 100k CDC.
What This Highlights
- The U.S. stands out globally for its extremely high levels of civilian gun ownership.
P.S. Historical Cases: State Power + Disarmament
Soviet Union (USSR)
- After the 1917 revolution, the Bolsheviks banned civilian gun ownership.
- Under Stalin, the regime used state monopoly on force to run the Gulag system, conduct mass purges, and kill or imprison millions (Holodomor, Great Terror).
- Ordinary people had no means to resist.
🇨🇳 Communist China
- Mao’s government also disarmed the population early.
- During the Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution, tens of millions died—through famine, political violence, and persecution.
- Again, no private firearms = no resistance.
🇩🇪 Nazi Germany
- The Nazis implemented targeted disarmament, especially against Jews and political enemies.
- In 1938, Jews were explicitly banned from owning firearms.
- The Nazi regime maintained tight control over weapons, while the state deployed violence from the top down (e.g., Holocaust, Gestapo, SS).
The Pattern :
When the state disarms civilians and centralizes armed power, it can—unchecked—commit large-scale atrocities.
And history shows:
- Disarmament doesn’t just reduce individual violence — it can also suppress resistance.
- Freedom and safety require not just laws, but checks on state power.
So What’s the Modern Relevance?
“Fewer guns = more peace.”
History shows that if only the state has weapons, and if the state becomes tyrannical, citizens are powerless.
Source: Wikipedia – list of countries by intentional homicide rate
