U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand and Congresswoman
Louise Slaughter today announced that both houses of Congress have passed the
FY 2010 Omnibus Appropriations bill which includes $200,000 for the Monroe
County Department of Public Safety. The funding was included as part of the
FY2010 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The bill passed the House last week
and the Senate over the weekend and now awaits the President’s signature.
“To keep our communities safe, we must provide our local police forces with access
to state-of-the-art technology,” Schumer said. “This funding will enable our
law enforcement officials to better collect and analyze evidence. By investing
in this facility, we are ensuring the safety of our officers and the families
of the surrounding community.”
“In this day and age, it is vital that our communities have the tools and
resources they need to respond to emergencies,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These
federal dollars will go a long way to ensure that Rochester has the technology
and equipment they need to respond to emergencies and ensure our communities
are safe and secure. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer to
ensure that New York receives its fair share for our first responders.”
“I’m pleased that federal dollars will be used to help the Rochester’s Crime
Lab process DNA evidence 54 times faster,” said Rep. Slaughter. “We
know that DNA evidence is a key to our criminal justice system and the people
of Rochester deserve a responsive process. This federal funding will allow faster
and better evidence analysis and improve public safety throughout Monroe
County.”
The laboratory at the Monroe County Department of Public Safety provides
analytical and physical examination of a wide variety of material to be used as
evidence in criminal cases, including all controlled drugs seized in the
region. The Monroe County lab is able to perform analysis in
Explosives, Fibers, Glass, Hairs, Impressions and Paint & Polymers.
The staff gives technical aid and provides expert testimony to law enforcement
agencies, the courts, and other governmental agencies in the region.
The Monroe County Department of Public Safety, through the effective,
dedicated efforts of its divisions, contractors, employees, volunteers and the
community, provides education, prevention, technical support, inter-agency
coordination and direct services that meet or exceed the expectations of the
courts, individuals, and the public and private agencies receiving these
services in order to enhance the quality of life in Monroe County.
The appropriation was originally
included in the Senate FY2010 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill. Last week that bill was combined with 5 other
appropriations bill into the FY 2010 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The
omnibus bill passed the House last week and the Senate over the weekend.