Nov. 2, 2022 By Christian Murray
A New York State Senator from Queens is looking to provide funding for four police precincts in his district to allow them to purchase vehicles and cameras.
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo aims to allocate $700,000 in state funds to be split among the 102nd, 104th, 106th and 112th precincts. Addabbo, like all senate representatives, has a pool of money that he is able to allocate on local needs. The lawmaker says that he is making the allocation after hearing from his constituents that they are concerned about public safety.
The funds would cover the cost of four cars—totaling $200,000—which would be used by the community affairs officers at each of the four precincts. Each car would cost $50,000 and would be an unmarked midsized sedan or crossover vehicle.
“Our Community Affairs Officers are a vital part of the NYPD team because they are the ones traveling through their sectors on a daily basis, and by doing this, they become trusted members of the community,” Addabbo said. “And when citizens know who their community officers are, it plays a major role in boosting police-community relationships.”
In addition to the vehicles, Addabbo has also requested funding for two ARGUS camera systems for each of the precincts. The camera system costs $65,000 per package, so the total funding for the two camera systems for the four police precincts comes out to $520,000. Addabbo’s office is in discussions with the precincts to use crime data to determine where the cameras should be placed.
“Cameras are critical tools used by the NYPD in their crime-fighting efforts, and this funding for two new camera systems for the four precincts in my new district will go a long way in ensuring the safety of all citizens,” Addabbo said. “I am proud to submit this request for funds and to support our hard-working men and women in the Police Department.”
The requested funds for these projects still need to be approved by the State Senate leadership, and Addabbo is working to secure the money through the allocation process.
He has notified senate majority leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins how he plans to spend the money and the senate finance committee will review his request.