Police Departments In Putnam County Win State Tech Grants

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Grants for new technology have been awarded to the sheriff's offices and police departments in Putnam from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.

The funding announced Monday will support a variety of equipment in all the departments, including but not limited to license plate readers, mobile and fixed camera systems, computer-aided dispatch systems, software, unmanned aerial vehicles, gunshot detection devices and smart equipment for patrol vehicles and police officers.

The largest grant went to the Carmel Police Department. The Law Enforcement Technology grants:

• Brewster Police Department $81,500
• Carmel Police Department $408,840
• Putnam County Sheriff's Office $119,412
• Town of Kent Police $150,290
• Putnam County 911 $255,000
• Village of Cold Spring Police Department $46,265

The CPD aims to use these funds to purchase updated equipment and technology to improve operations in many areas, officials said.

That includes:

• Traffic Data Collection System – Digitally collect, monitor and analyze speed and traffic statistics in areas of concern.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicle – Assist in search and rescue operations and suspect searches.
• 3-D Laser Scanner – Digitally map crime scenes, accident scenes and critical infrastructure.
• Updated Records Management Software and Computer Aided Dispatch Software – Replace outdated software.
• Mobile License Plate Reader – Assist in identifying vehicles involved in an investigation and locate vulnerable persons and victims.

"The Carmel Police Department is grateful for this funding from DCJS and the opportunity it provides us to offer enhanced and extended service to our community," officials said in a news release.

The state provided $127 million in the new budget to police departments and sheriffs’ offices outside of New York City for new technology and equipment. In all, 378 law enforcement agencies responded to the state’s application for funding last fall.

It's part of record-level investments in public safety and criminal justice funding in the FY25 Enacted Budget, state officials said, including additional funding to target retail theft, combat gun violence and domestic violence, and fund community-based programs that serve victims and survivors of crime.

"By investing in the latest technology and equipment, we’re responding to the requests of law enforcement agencies as they look to safeguard the future of our state," Gov. Kathy Hochul said.