Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $200,000 In Anti-Crime Funding For City Of Rochester

Jul 18, 2014

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $201,254 in federal funding for anti-crime initiatives in the City of Rochester. The funding was allocated by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs and will be used to support safety initiatives to improve the Rochester Police Department and support “Operation Nightwatch,”of Monroe County, to better monitor the activities of individuals on probation. 

“There is nothing more important to us than the safety of our children, families and communities. It is wonderful news that the City of Rochester will be receiving funding to improve law enforcement services for victims and to decrease crime overall,” said Senator Schumer. “Making sure the brave men and women that serve in our police departments have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively is a top priority of mine. These funds will allow our local heroes to keep our community and residents safe.”

“This is a great investment for Rochester communities,” Senator Gillibrand said. “By improving the Rochester Police Department’s services for witnesses and victims of crimes and by supporting Monroe County’s NightWatch program, overall safety within our neighborhoods will be enhanced, creating a better environment for our families.”

“I want to thank Senator Gillibrand and Senator Schumer for their continued advocacy on behalf of our children and families,” said Mayor Lovely A. Warren. “Their safety is of utmost concern to this administration. This grant will help Rochester Police Department deliver much-needed services to family and victims of crime support services. We are very thankful.”  

The City of Rochester will use this federal funding to support law enforcement initiatives that improve the Rochester Police Department’s services for witnesses and victims of crimes. This will help secure their cooperation and enhances prosecutions of those who commit crimes. The funding will also be used to support “Operation Nightwatch,”of Monroe County which monitors the activities of individuals on probation.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime. The goal of the program is to increase crucial law enforcement services as well as to improve and enhance services for victims and witnesses.