Statewide expansion of crime services continues

ALBANY | Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the expansion of the Suffolk Crime Analysis Center, one of 11 in the nationally recognized, one-of-a-kind network funded and supported by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services in partnership with local law enforcement agencies statewide. New York State invested nearly $1 million to triple the center's size and double the number of professionals who respond to requests for assistance and provide investigative support that helps local law enforcement agencies solve, prevent and reduce crime. Preliminary data show 44 shooting incidents with injury reported last year by the Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Hempstead police departments, the fewest on record since 2006, when the three departments began reporting this data to the State. Meanwhile, preliminary data from January through September 2024, the most recent available, showed a 7 percent reduction in reported crime on Long Island when compared to the same nine-month period in 2023. "Public safety is my number one priority — and this expansion enables law enforcement to share intelligence, analysis and support to identify hotspots and crime patterns that help them work smarter," Gov. Hochul said. "The intelligence-sharing and coordination facilitated by these centers allows law enforcement agencies across the State to focus resources where they are needed most, maximizing our ability to keep New Yorkers safe." Located at the Suffolk County Police Department Headquarters in Yaphank, the Suffolk Crime Analysis Center is more than triple its original size: 5,000 square feet compared to 1,700 square feet when it was first established in 2019. The Center now accommodates seating for 45, up from 16, and features a state-of-the-art, 24-foot-wide, 4.5-foot-high video wall. The Center is staffed with crime analysts and law enforcement personnel, funded by State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS); the Suffolk County Police Department; the county's District Attorney's Office, Sheriff's Office, Probation Department, and Child Protective Services; Nassau County Police Department; the New York City Police Department; MTA Police Department, the New York State Police; the New York Air National Guard; the State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision; and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program. New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, "Crime analysts play a critical role in supporting law enforcement investigations. At our Crime Analysis Centers, these professionals work with local, state and federal law enforcement personnel who share their knowledge and expertise and leverage technology to access information and data that results in a more targeted, strategic approach to solving and deterring crime. I applaud the work of these dedicated public servants, commend our partners in Suffolk County and across the state for their continued collaboration and support, and thank Governor Hochul for her investment in this vital work and commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe." The Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Hempstead police departments are among the 28 police departments and other law enforcement agencies in 21 counties that receive nearly $36 million through the State's Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative to reduce shootings and save lives. Those three Long Island agencies collectively reported double-digit declines in the shooting metrics GIVE agencies are required to report to the State. When comparing last year to 2023: Shooting incidents with injury declined 39 percent (44 v. 72). The number of individuals injured by gunfire decreased 35 percent (59 v. 91). There were six fewer individuals killed by gun violence, a 38 percent decrease (10 v. 16). Preliminary index crime reported by police agencies on Long Island showed a 7 percent reduction from January through September 2024 vs. 2023. Violent crime (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) decreased 4 percent and property crime (burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft) declined 7 percent. Under Gov. Hochul's leadership, DCJS has received record-level funding for the Crime Analysis Center Network ($18 million), GIVE ($36 million), SNUG Street Outreach Program ($21 million) and Project RISE ($20 million), four key initiatives that provide funding and support to local law enforcement and community partners working to address the causes and consequences of gun violence and other crime. In her FY26 Executive Budget, Gov. Hochul continues those investments and adds another $13 million to establish the New York State Crime Analysis and Joint Special Operations Command Headquarters. The command headquarters would be a strategic information, technical assistance and training hub for the 11 centers and enhance existing partnerships and expand information sharing with the New York State Intelligence Center operated by the State Police, the locally run Nassau County Lead Development Center, and the State's Joint Security Operations Center, which focuses on protecting the State from cyber threats. Last year alone, staff at the Suffolk Center received 30,010 requests for service – nearly a quarter of the 130,928 total requests received by the network – and assisted 70 different law enforcement agencies with cases ranging from hit and run crashes to murders. An executive board of directors oversees the center, composed of officials from DCJS, the Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, Suffolk County Sheriff's Office, and Shelter Island Police Department, which represents the Suffolk County Chiefs of Police Association.

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Statewide expansion of crime services continues

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