New York Governor Kathy Hochul visited Rochester on October 24 to highlight New York State’s $24 million investment in modernizing law enforcement technology and equipment across Monroe County.
The initiative, part of the state’s Law Enforcement Technology (LE Tech) grant program, supports upgrades that are already helping police deter and solve crimes — and contributing to a measurable drop in violent incidents.
During her visit to the Rochester Police Department (RPD), Governor Hochul toured the city’s command room, where the department’s new blue light cameras are monitored. RPD received $10 million through the program for camera upgrades, additions and other advanced equipment. In total, 10 agencies in Monroe County shared the $24 million investment, while 378 departments statewide received $127 million in technology funding.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority – and that means ensuring New York’s law enforcement officers are best equipped to protect our communities,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. “By investing critical funds for technology enhancements for police departments statewide, we’re ensuring law enforcement has the tools they need to fight crime and protect every corner of the state.”
The results in Monroe County underscore the impact of these investments. Index crimes have fallen 18% countywide, with declines in all seven major categories — murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft. In Rochester, motor vehicle thefts dropped 68% between January and August 2025 compared to the same period in 2023, when thefts had reached a 10-year high.
Gun violence has also declined sharply. Since Governor Hochul took office in 2021, RPD — one of 28 departments participating in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative — has reported a 57% decrease in shooting incidents with injury, a 60% decrease in individuals shot, and a 56% reduction in firearm-related homicides.
Governor Hochul also recognized the Monroe Crime Analysis Center, part of the state’s 11-center network supported by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), which handled over 28,000 service requests last year to assist agencies across eight counties.
“Governor Hochul’s investments in technology are giving law enforcement the tools they need to work smarter, respond faster and strengthen community safety,” DCJS Commissioner Rossana Rosado said. “The Monroe Crime Analysis Center is a powerful example of how innovation and partnership can turn data into action and help build safer neighborhoods across New York State.”
Local leaders praised the initiative’s results and focus on collaboration.
Representative Joseph Morelle said, “Every family deserves the peace of mind that they and their children are safe wherever they go in our community. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul and our local partners here in Rochester for their continued commitment to keeping our neighborhoods secure.”
State Senator Jeremy Cooney called the investment “a huge win for officers across Monroe County,” while Assemblymember Harry Bronson credited the LE Tech funding and police partnership with “a significant downward trend in crime and violence at all levels.”
Assemblymember Jen Lunsford added, “Year after year, we have watched crime decrease here in Monroe County, and throughout New York State, thanks to thoughtful investments just like this one from Governor Hochul.”
