U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced today that the City of Yonkers has been awarded $142,222 in federal funding to purchase a marked police vehicle, computer software/hardware and communications equipment. A portion of JAG funds will also be used to support overtime expenses. The funds were awarded through the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which provides funding to states and local governments to support a range of crime prevention activities based on state and local needs.
“When it comes to protecting the residents of the City of Yonkers, we must be tough, smart and prepared,” said Senator Schumer. “This investment in new equipment for the city’s law enforcement officers will help keep our streets and neighborhoods safe. Making sure the brave men and women that serve in our police departments have the resources they need to continue their important work will always be a top priority of mine.”
“This federal investment will help support police officers who keep the streets and neighborhoods of Yonkers safe and secure,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Protecting our families and communities is a top priority and I will continue to push for funding to help get our police officers the resources needed to carry out their critical work more effectively.”
“I want to thank Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer for their continued partnership and support of the City of Yonkers and our Police Department,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “Thanks to these new federal dollars, our Police Department will be able to purchase a new police vehicle, providing our Officers with the resources necessary to patrol our neighborhoods and protect the quality of life in our City.”
The Byrne JAG program provides funding to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system that include: law enforcement programs; prosecution and court programs; prevention and education programs; corrections and community corrections programs; drug treatment programs; and planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and crime victim witness programs.