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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2004

SCHUMER SECURES $400,000 FOR NEW CRIME MAPPING TECHNOLOGY FOR CITY OF ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT

New upgraded systems will allow for more efficient crime analysis and mapping to track hot spots and better plan patrols throughout the Capital Region

Schumer secured federal funds as part of the Commerce-Justice-State Appropriations component of the omnibus appropriations bill

US Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that he has secured $400,000 for the City of Albany Police Department as part of the Commerce-Justice-State Appropriations component of the omnibus bill passed this year. The funds will be used to replace the Albany Police Department's main computer server and upgrade the system to allow for more efficient crime analysis and mapping throughout the Capital Region.

"Make no mistake about it. Hard work and strong leadership are important to law enforcement, but to really get crime down you need to provide a community with the resources it needs to put its good work to use. Delivering this money to the Police Department will allow it to continue and enhance its crackdown on crime," Schumer said.

“Thanks to the efforts of Senator Schumer, the City of Albany has secured this important appropriation. Upgrading these systems will provide more effective tools for the men and woman of our Police Department to better serve and protect the residents of Albany,” stated Mayor Jerry Jennings. “I want to thank Senator Schumer for making this a priority and facilitating this highly competitive appropriation.”

The funds will allow the Albany Police Department and eleven surrounding police agencies in the Capital Region to buy a new server that will maintain a web-based dispatch and records management program. Police officers will be able to enter information into a web-based system directly from mobile laptop units that are in police cars. By having a computer-aided dispatch and records management system that is available via the internet, law enforcement officers and officials can monitor and respond to information in real time.

Schumer said that the practical effect of this technological upgrade would be that statistics like response time, officer locations and crime hot spots can be assembled and analyzed using real time data. The web-based system will allow the Albany Police Department to enjoy the benefits of modern day crime mapping and analysis. Over 900 police personnel (both police officers and civilians) use the current dispatch and records system. The new technology will also increase the ability of additional precincts and emergency service personnel to join their system and access their information. The web based system can also be secured from outside intrusion.

The funding for the project, a top priority of Schumer's, was included in the Omnibus conference report passed by the House and Senate and signed by the President.

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