The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to be the recipient of $11.7(M) million dollars, as part of a $127(M) million New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Law Enforcement Technology (LETECH) grant. MCSO was awarded the largest amount out of the 378 NYS law enforcement agencies who applied, receiving just more than nine percent of the total grant.

This funding will allow MCSO to invest in much needed technology upgrades to address crime and public safety in a more expedient and efficient manner. Over the past several years, we have identified an increasing gap in our ability to make use of readily available technology. The cost is just too often prohibitive. Now that New York State has made these much needed funds available, we plan to invest in those areas that will have the greatest impact: safety of citizens and first responders, public trust, and coordination of effort amongst agencies.

The funds will be utilized for:

  • Regional Investigative Operations Center (RIOC):
    State-of-the-art technology in the RIOC will provide the framework for area law enforcement agencies to synergize investigative efforts and coordinate operational responses to pattern and violent crimes. It will be agile enough to address all types of threats and hazards affecting our community, as well as improve communication, coordination and cooperation among public safety agencies and the public. Video: Regional Investigative Operations Center (RIOC): The Whole Story
     
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Program (Drones):
    Harnessing the proven advantages of ever-evolving drone technology in the first responder realm for faster response time and increased safety. This technology is utilized in the event of in-progress crimes, fire scenes, natural disasters and missing persons investigations.
     
  • Camera and License Plate Reader Technology:
    Automatic LPRs and Public Safety Cameras will be deployed responsibly in strategic, public facing locations to provide critical information during investigations involving amber alerts, stolen vehicles, violent crime patterns, retail theft, and missing persons.
     
  • Additional Technology Upgrades:
    Computer upgrades to our patrol and investigative team, upgrades to our body worn camera technology, including dash cameras, and software applications to run all the technology.

“The fact that the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received the largest appropriation of this grant to improve public safety speaks volumes to the great work and professionalism of our investigators, deputies and partners in law enforcement, and the confidence New York State has in our plans,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter. "Thank you for giving our community the tools and technology it takes to make public safety a priority.”

We extend our appreciation to New York State Governor Hochul, the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, U.S. Representative Joseph D. Morelle, and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer for their support. We are also grateful to the Monroe County Legislature for its overwhelming approval of these funds, voting 29-0, to invest in the public safety of our citizens.

“When police agencies and community organizations across New York voiced their needs, Governor Hochul listened,” said Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado. “We value our partnership with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement agencies statewide. By leveraging technology, our partners can more effectively fight crime and further improve public safety in the communities they serve.”

We have taken significant steps to ensure this technology is utilized within the framework of our Constitution and laws, respecting the privacy expectations of our community, while at the same time, relentlessly pursuing people causing harm to citizens.

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Deputy Brendan Hurley
Public Information Officer
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
MCSOCommunications@monroecounty.gov
(585) 753-4840