Several Putnam County law enforcement agencies that applied for financial assistance last fall will receive funding in the 2025 New York State budget through the Division of Criminal Justice Services, announced Assemblyman Matt Slater recently.
Locally, $81,500 is slated for the Brewster Police Department, $408,840 for the Carmel Police Department, $119,412 for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, $150,290 for the Kent Police Department, and $255,000 for Putnam County 911.
The allocated funds will enable police departments and sheriffs’ offices to purchase new technology and equipment – modernizing their operations and enhancing their ability to solve and prevent crimes. The grants will cover a range of equipment and technology, including license plate readers, mobile and fixed camera systems, computer-aided dispatch systems, software, unmanned aerial vehicles, gunshot detection devices and smart equipment for patrol vehicles and police officers.
In the fall, Lt. Alex VanderWoude applied for funding for much-needed computers, cameras, scanners and other equipment for the Kent Police Department through the DCJS Law Enforcement Tech Grant. By the spring, KPD was notified of the grant award.
“The equipment will be used in everything from daily patrols to long-term investigations and for documenting crime scenes and automobile incidents,” said the department. “We appreciate the support from our state lawmakers in helping local law enforcement stay up to date on technology.”
According to Carmel Police Chief Anthony Hoffman, the department will utilize the funding to upgrade its computer-aided dispatch and recordkeeping software, as well as to acquire a new unmanned aerial drone to aid in suspect and missing persons searches, a 3D laser vehicle accident and crime scene mapping scanner to aid detectives, and computerized traffic data collection equipment to help keep roads safe.
Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said it’s critical that emergency services personnel have quality, top-of-the-line equipment to best provide for the safety of the community.
“I appreciate Assemblyman Slater for helping bring Putnam County this much-needed funding, and I look forward to working with our first responders and law enforcement officials to see it go to great use.”
Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville also thanked the assemblyman, saying his department relies on evolving technology to augment and enhance public safety.
“Public safety is my top priority, and we are continuing to make record investments in law enforcement to ensure they have the resources needed to protect our communities,” said Slater. “By investing in the latest technology and equipment, we are addressing the needs of law enforcement agencies as they work to safeguard the future of our state.”
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