Governor Kathy Hochul visited Rochester to highlight a $24 million investment aimed at upgrading law enforcement technology for ten police agencies in Monroe County. During her visit, Hochul toured the Rochester Police Department’s command room, where she observed the city’s blue-light camera system. The department received $10 million for camera upgrades and other advanced technologies as part of the state’s Law Enforcement Technology (LE Tech) grant program.
Statewide, 378 police departments and sheriffs’ offices have been allocated $127 million through this grant initiative. According to officials, these investments are credited with contributing to notable declines in crime across Monroe County and Rochester.
“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. “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.”
Monroe County reported an 18 percent decrease in overall crime during the first eight months of 2025 compared with the same period last year. All seven index crimes—murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft—declined throughout both the county and the City of Rochester. Motor vehicle thefts specifically dropped by 68 percent from January through August 2025 compared with the same period in 2023.
Gun violence has also seen significant reductions since Hochul took office. In Rochester, there was a 57 percent decrease in shooting incidents with injury between January and September 2025 compared to the same nine months in 2021. There were also reductions of 60 percent in individuals shot and a 56 percent drop in firearm-related homicides over this timeframe.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado commented on these results: “Governor Hochul’s investments in technology are giving law enforcement the tools they need to work smarter, respond faster, and strengthen community safety. These upgrades are improving coordination and efficiency across Monroe County and beyond. 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.”
The Monroe Crime Analysis Center serves multiple counties including Monroe, Wayne, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Seneca, Yates, and Steuben. Last year it handled more than 28,000 service requests from area law enforcement agencies.
Local officials praised the investments. Representative Joseph Morelle stated: “Every family deserves the peace of mind that they and their children are safe wherever they go in our community. As Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m working to ensure law enforcement at every level has the resources they need to protect and serve our families. 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 added: “It’s my pleasure to welcome Governor Hochul to Rochester and thank her for her continued leadership on public safety. With new state-of-the-art technology, this is a huge win for officers across Monroe County to ensure they have the tools they need to keep our communities safe.”
Assemblymember Harry Bronson remarked: “Public safety and security for our families and residents remains a top priority. We’ve seen real results due to significant investments like the $10 million secured by the state for LE-TECH. This technology alongside the hard work of law enforcement is resulting in a significant downward trend in crime and violence at all levels.”
Assemblymember Jen Lunsford said: “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.”
City of Rochester Mayor Malik Evans expressed his appreciation: “It is invaluable to cities across the state to have a governor who prioritizes public safety as much as we do. I want to commend Gov. Hochul for making this important investment in public safety technology.”
Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello noted: “Public safety depends not only on the courage and dedication of our police officers and sheriff’s deputies but also on our commitment to invest in innovative tools.”
Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter described recent advancements: “This investment is second to none… making Monroe County the most technologically advanced public safety community in New York State… Through body-worn cameras… license plate readers… drones as first responders… we are putting our deputies and officers on the cutting edge of modern policing.”
Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green reflected on changes over time: “Over the past two decades advancements in technology have transformed… criminal cases… The Rochester Police Department’s commitment… helps ensure strong prosecutions… I want to thank Governor Hochul for continuing to invest in public safety right here…”
The fiscal year 2026 budget maintains $347 million for gun violence prevention programs such as GIVE (Gun Involved Violence Elimination) while supporting additional initiatives aimed at improving public safety statewide.
The Division of Criminal Justice Services continues supporting various aspects of New York’s criminal justice system including training professionals; managing accreditation; overseeing equipment; administering grants; analyzing data; supporting research; coordinating youth justice policy; among other functions.
