Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C-I, Elma) says grant funding will allow 20 law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office, to purchase  equipment enabling them to video record criminal interrogations.  Half of the $508,492 in statewide funding is being provided by the office of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. from criminal asset forfeiture funds obtained through settlements with international banks for violating U.S. sanctions.  That funding is being matched by federal funds administered by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.

“This funding will help law enforcement agencies purchase and install the necessary equipment to record suspect interviews and interrogations,” Gallivan said.  “The recordings help ensure the fairness and integrity of the process, protect investigators and suspects, and ultimately help to solve crimes.”

Gallivan, a former State Trooper and Sheriff of Erie County and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections, says the Wyoming County District Attorney’s Office will receive $24,677 under the program.

Police departments, sheriff and district attorney's offices across the state will use the grants to purchase video recording equipment for the first time, increase the number of rooms available to record statements, and add data storage capacity for existing equipment. Priority was given to agencies that did not apply for, or receive funding in the past.

The following Western New York agencies will also receive grants: Buffalo Police Department: $22,811; Tonawanda Police Department: $8,870; Blasdell Police Department: $4,994; Allegany County District Attorney’s Office: $12,000; Rochester Police Department: $55,751.