City’s “community camera system” will be upgraded with funding
From City Hall,
The City of Hornell and the Hornell Police Department (HPD) are proud to announce that they have been awarded $229,205 in grant funding from the State of New York through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. This marks the second round of funding received, bringing the total funds received to $417,852. This round of grant funding will be utilized to upgrade the community camera system, acquire and install two mobile license plate readers (LPRs), as well as enhance building security.
Hornell Police Chief Ted Murray expressed his appreciation for the grant funds, stating, “This funding is essential in helping us maintain and enhance the tools our officers use to serve our community. These grants ensure that we can continue to provide the high level of service our residents deserve while adapting to new challenges.”
The City’s existing community camera system, originally installed in 2011, includes ten cameras providing live feeds to the police department. With this grant, all cameras will be replaced with modern equipment offering improved visibility and advanced technology. Captain Michael Sexsmith noted in the application, “The camera system program was an integral tool in not only making citizens of our community feel more safe, but was also an effective tool as a deterrent to crime, investigation of crime, investigation of traffic accidents, and key for dropping crime in our business district and parks.”
The two mobile plate readers will be mounted the department’s marked units, and will assist officers with detecting stolen vehicles as well as suspended licenses and registrations. The LPRs will also help locate missing persons or suspects, respond to Amber Alerts, and assist other agencies with data for tracking suspects traveling through our area.
Chief Murray further explained, “The upgrades provided by this grant, including the new camera system and LPRs, will significantly improve our department’s ability to detect and respond to criminal activity. These tools are vital for both proactive policing and investigations.”
The building security upgrades, which aim to improve the safety of officers, visitors, and suspects, include the installation of gun lockers in the cell block area and ballistic-resistant glass in key locations. Chief Murray added, “Times have certainly changed, not just in Hornell but around the world, and these upgrades are necessary to ensure the department remains a safe space for everyone.”
Mayor John Buckley shared his appreciation for the funding, stating, “The City of Hornell is grateful for over $400,000 in funding for our police department through the State of New York. These funds are a game-changer for our department, delivering tools to improve effectiveness, deter crime, and ultimately make our community safer. Thank you to the State of New York for these funds, and to the department, particularly Captain Michael Sexsmith, for putting together a competitive application.”
As equipment from the first grant continues to be installed, the City of Hornell eagerly anticipates moving forward with this second round of funding to enhance safety and operations.
