Southern Tier police agencies to receive state funding

Gillian Friebis
·2 min read
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SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. (WETM) — Law enforcement agencies across the Southern Tier will be receiving a total of nearly $2.5 million in state funding to buy new equipment.

According to Governor Kathy Hochul’s Office, New York State is giving $127 million to 378 sheriff’s offices and police departments outside of New York City that applied for funding. The departments will use these tax-funded grants to modernize their operations by purchasing new technology and equipment. The upgrades made through these purchases are expected to help prevent crimes, solve crimes, and improve public safety.

The agencies receiving funds can use the money to purchase license plate readers, mobile and fixed camera systems, computer-aided dispatch systems, software, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), gunshot detection devices, smart equipment for vehicles and officers, and more. According to Hochul’s Office, more than half of the total funding will be used to purchase license plate readers, body-worn and patrol vehicle equipment, and public safety camera systems.

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A list of how much money agencies in the Southern Tier will be receiving broken down by county can be found below:

Chemung County

  • Elmira Police Department: $447,795

  • Elmira Heights Police Department: $96,738

  • Horseheads Police Department: $74,763

Schuyler County

  • Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office: $245,701

  • Watkins Glen Police Department: $208,727

Steuben County

  • Canisteo Police Department: $189,900

  • North Hornell Police Department: $59,800

  • Bath Police Department: $40,000

  • Corning Police Department: $195,000

  • Steuben County Sheriff’s Office: $665,000

Tioga County

  • Waverly Police Department: $253,752

All agencies receiving funds through these grants applied for the funding in the fall of 2023. The applications asked for agencies to specify which pieces of equipment they intended to purchase and the estimated cost for each item. The money being sent to these law enforcement agencies was accounted for in New York State’s Fiscal Year 2025 Enacted Budget.

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