An NYPD police car in Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, on Jan. 29, 2011. ((vincent desjardins), CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
(The Center Square) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced nearly $36 million in new funding for local law enforcement agencies Thursday, as she touted the latest crime data showing a drop in shootings.
The new funding, which will be distributed among departments across New York's 21 counties, comes from the state's Gun Violence Elimination initiative that provides increased funding and resources to local law enforcement to help reduce shootings and gun violence.
Hochul touted the "record investments and strong partnership with law enforcement" while highlighting new data showing that shooting incidents involving injuries were down 19% from January through August 2026 in communities participating in the initiative. At least 13 police departments — Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Schenectady — reported zero firearm-related deaths through August, she said.
"I remain committed to working with law enforcement and all stakeholders to ensure safer streets and communities for families throughout every corner of our state," Hochul, a Democrat, said in a statement.
The Democrat, who is seeking another four-year term in the Nov. 3 election, vowed to "keep driving down gun violence to record lows" by providing more funding and resources to local police departments.
The largest share in funding was allocated to law-enforcement agencies in Western New York, which will get more $9 million in grant money, according to the Hochul administration.
The Finger Lakes region is getting more than $6.5 million, while the Capitol region is getting more than $5.1 million, Hochul officials said.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said the program provides local police with funding, training and support "to put strategies aimed at reducing gun violence into action."
“The continued record-low number of shooting incidents and victims shows what is possible when agencies work together and have the resources they need," Rosado said Thursday.
The new funding and crime statistics come as Hochul is running for reelection amid a challenge from Republican Bruce Blakeman, a Nassau County Executive who has made New York City crime a key plank of his campaign and says the governor hasn't done enough to keep people safe.
On Thursday, Blakeman pointed to a stabbing of a 59-year-old man in the New York City subway system, calling it was an example of the "lawless" culture under Hochul and her political ally, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdami, who has also been accused of being soft on crime.
"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH," Blakeman posted on X. "Kathy Hochul has failed New York. As Governor, I will back our police, fight to repeal Cashless Bail, and put your safety first."
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