Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $36 million has been allocated to law enforcement agencies in 28 communities across New York State as part of the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative. The announcement was made during a visit to the Suffolk County Police Academy, where Hochul was joined by local officials and law enforcement leaders.
The GIVE program provides funding for equipment, overtime, personnel, training, and technical assistance to police departments outside of New York City. According to state data, shootings in jurisdictions participating in the GIVE program declined by 52 percent between 2021 and 2024. Last year saw the lowest number of shooting incidents with injury since tracking began in 2006. In 2024, Long Island recorded its lowest number of shootings in recent history.
“Public safety is my top priority, and since taking office, my administration has been laser focused on working with local law enforcement to drive down gun violence across New York,” Governor Hochul said. “The GIVE initiative is a crucial part of our comprehensive plan to reduce firearm-related violent crime — and it’s working. That’s why we are doubling down and reinvesting $36 million to ensure that law enforcement agencies across the state have the tools they need to stop shootings and proactively prevent gun violence.”
From January through June 2025, police departments supported by GIVE reported a decrease in shooting incidents with injury from 281 during the same period last year to 242 this year. The number of people shot fell from 354 to 275, while gun violence-related deaths dropped from 58 to 49.
This marks the third consecutive year of record-level funding for GIVE under Governor Hochul’s administration. Of the total funds awarded this year, nearly $2.7 million will go to nine agencies on Long Island: Nassau County ($1,345,223) and Suffolk County ($1,333,943), including allocations for district attorneys’ offices, probation departments, sheriff’s offices, and local police departments.
Communities participating in GIVE saw reductions across all major crime categories during the first quarter of 2025 compared with last year. State data showed an overall decline of 18 percent in total index crimes; violent crime decreased by 19 percent and property crimes fell by 18 percent. On Long Island specifically, both Nassau County and Suffolk County police reported double-digit declines in these categories.
In addition to these trends outside New York City, data released by the New York City Police Department indicated positive developments within city limits: shooting victims were down by 23 percent; shooting incidents dropped by 22 percent; and crime complaints declined five percent through July compared with last year.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado stated: “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s unwavering commitment to public safety, New York continues to see record reductions in gun violence. This funding ensures that our local law enforcement agencies and community organizations can build on the strategies that are working, saving lives, strengthening communities, and restoring trust. I am so proud of my DCJS team members who provide our partners across the state with the tools, training, and resources that allow them to sustain this progress.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said: “The GIVE initiative continues to produce results that matter. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment and the leadership of the Division of Criminal Justice Services, law enforcement agencies across the state are better equipped to target and reduce gun violence. This funding supports the critical work being done on the ground…”
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins added: “This funding is a vital investment in the safety and well-being of New Yorkers…I was proud to work with Governor Hochul…to deliver $347 million in this year’s budget to support GIVE and other gun violence prevention efforts across the state.”
Several other elected officials expressed support for both Governor Hochul’s leadership on public safety issues as well as targeted investments made through programs like GIVE.
Funding details for each agency are available on the Division of Criminal Justice Services website, along with an interactive dashboard featuring current-year data.
The fiscal year 2026 enacted budget maintained significant investments secured by Governor Hochul—including $347 million for GIVE grants alongside other initiatives aimed at improving public safety statewide.
The Division of Criminal Justice Services continues supporting all facets of New York’s criminal justice system through grant management; training; research; equipment oversight; accreditation programs; youth justice coordination; alternatives-to-incarceration supervision; policy development; analysis; victim services expansion; social media outreach; among other responsibilities.
