Governor Kathy Hochul visited Westchester County to showcase more than $11.4 million in New York State grants modernizing local law enforcement technology—part of $127 million statewide. The Westchester Department of Public Safety, Mount Pleasant Police, and 31 other agencies are deploying body-worn cameras, patrol tablets, GPS pursuit-reduction tools, and a search-and-rescue drone to boost efficiency, accountability, and safety. Backed by record funding for public safety programs like the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, Westchester has seen an 18% decrease in index crime year over year; in GIVE communities Mount Vernon and Yonkers, shooting incidents with injury are down 42% since Hochul took office. Officials credit the technology upgrades and data-driven partnerships for fewer shootings, safer streets, and stronger community trust across New York State.
Governor Kathy Hochul today visited Westchester County to highlight the state’s investment of more than $11.4 million to modernize law enforcement technology and equipment across the county’s law enforcement agencies. The visit included a demonstration featuring state-of-the-art technology purchased by the county’s Department of Public Safety through the state’s Law Enforcement Technology grant program. These technology grants and sustained, record-level funding for other public safety initiatives – including the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative – are contributing to safer communities across the state. Westchester County has seen an 18 percent decrease in index crime since last year, and the two GIVE communities in the county have experienced a 42 percent decrease in shooting incidents with injury since Governor Hochul took office.
“Public safety is my number one priority, which is why I’ve invested $127 million in technology upgrades for local police departments across the state,“ Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud to support the men and women of law enforcement, and remain committed to enhancing the resources available to fight crime, protect our communities, and keep New Yorkers safe.”
This morning, Governor Hochul visited the Westchester County Department of Public Safety’s headquarters in the hamlet of Valhalla, located within the town of Mount Pleasant. In addition to the Department of Public Safety, the Mount Pleasant Police Department and 31 other police departments in Westchester County collectively received more than $11.4 million. Statewide, 378 police departments and sheriffs’ offices received $127 million through the Law Enforcement Tech Grant program.
The Department of Public Safety and Mount Pleasant Police Department together received approximately $1.3 million from the state, with which they purchased body-worn cameras, patrol vehicle tablets and other equipment to improve agency efficiency and accountability and community and officer safety. The Department of Public Safety also purchased GPS technology that reduces dangerous, high-speed vehicle pursuits by allowing officers to safely track and apprehend suspects, and the Mount Pleasant Police Department secured a drone for search and rescue operations. A list of police departments in Westchester County and other agencies across the state that received law enforcement technology grants is online.
Public safety is my number one priority, which is why I’ve invested $127 million in technology upgrades for local police departments across the state.
Governor Kathy Hochul
Police agencies in Westchester County reported an 18 percent decrease in overall crime during the first four months of 2025 compared to the same time last year, the most current, comprehensive data available. In addition, gun violence has decreased by double-digits in Mount Vernon and Yonkers, the two communities in Westchester County that participate in the GIVE initiative, since Governor Hochul took office. Shooting incidents with injury have declined 42 percent, the number of individuals shot has decreased 46 percent, and three fewer individuals (4 vs. 7) have been killed.
A breakdown of index crime data reported by police agencies in Westchester County, and the Mount Pleasant Police Department, as well as shooting metrics reported by the Mount Vernon and Yonkers police departments is available online.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “As a proud Westchester County resident, I thank Governor Hochul for her record investment in law enforcement technology, which is making a real difference in communities here and across the state. By providing officers with the tools and training they need, we are strengthening local partnerships, improving public safety, and helping departments work smarter and more effectively. The results speak for themselves with fewer shootings, safer streets, and stronger collaboration across agencies.”
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “I thank Governor Hochul for her continued partnership in supporting law enforcement and helping keep our communities safe. This investment of more than $11 million in Westchester will strengthen 33 of our local police agencies as part of a $127 million statewide effort to give law enforcement the modern tools they need to prevent crime, protect officers, and build stronger community trust. These record-level investments are delivering results, crime is down and Westchester is safer because of our shared commitment to public safety.”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul for her leadership and understanding that fighting crime and keeping our streets safe requires both innovation and investment. I’m incredibly proud of the dedicated men and women in law enforcement who work tirelessly to protect the people of Westchester County. As the son of a New York City Police Officer, I know firsthand the toll this work can take — but I also know the immense pride that comes with achieving results like these. An 18 percent decrease in index crime is no small feat — it’s a testament to your hard work, commitment, and collaboration.”
The FY26 Enacted Budget maintained $347 million in unprecedented funding secured by Governor Hochul for gun violence prevention programs, including GIVE, and supports 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).
October 23, 2025
Albany, NY
Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Midtown Tribune news
Westchester County, law enforcement technology grants, public safety, crime reduction, New York State, GIVE initiative.
