Public Protection Funding Will Help Keep Communities Safe, Get Drugs Off The Streets

ALBANY – Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) announced today that $190,000 will be available for area law enforcement departments in their efforts to prevent crime and take drugs off the streets, while she also secured funding to combat domestic violence.

As part of this year’s state budget, Senator Young secured $90,000 for the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force in Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties; $75,000 for the Task Force in Chautauqua County; and $25,000 for anti-drug and crime prevention in the City of Jamestown.

“Our local law enforcement agencies do an outstanding job, and this additional funding will help them keep our communities safe. Protecting our communities from harm and getting illicit drugs off the streets is everyone’s utmost priority,” said Senator Young.

“Having the resources in place to battle those perpetuating the state’s ongoing heroin crisis, as well as others who are trafficking illegal drugs into our community, is a necessity and this state funding will enhance the tools available for our hardworking police and sheriff deputies. I am tremendously proud and thankful for our highly dedicated law enforcement officers who put their lives on the lines for us each day,” Senator Young said.

Cattaraugus County Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb said, “These funds that have been made available by Senator Young will be an immediate boost to our operations with the Southern Tier Task Force, which plays such an important role in today’s world by assisting us in combating all illegal drug use within our jurisdiction. For that, as the Sheriff, I am very thankful.”

Allegany County Sheriff Ricky Whitney said, “With the ongoing Heroin epidemic in our area, and throughout the nation, these funds are extremely important, and we thank Senator Young for securing this funding so that we can continue our efforts in keeping heroin and all illegal drugs off our streets.”

Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph Gerace stated, “I want to thank Senator Young for again securing funding to combat illegal drugs. This funding is critical to our drug enforcement efforts in Chautauqua County.  Senator Young has worked hard for many years to help get drugs off the streets in our communities.”

City of Jamestown Chief of Police Harry Snellings said, “On behalf of the Jamestown Police Department I would like thank Senator Young for her support. The funding we received provides for essential equipment utilized by the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force on a daily basis. This equipment has enhanced our investigative capabilities and aided in our efforts to combat the drug issues plaguing our community.”

Senator Young also secured $60,200 for the City of Jamestown’s Project Crossroads program. For two decades, Project Crossroads has served the community as a domestic violence education program working to provide intervention through education. The program partners with Family Services to prevent incidents of domestic violence and to help victims become survivors.

“Statistics show that only about 70 percent of non-fatal domestic violence incidents are reported to law enforcement. Project Crossroads’ work with individuals who are in violent and abusive relationships is laudable. The program ensures that victims receive the full range of support they need, and holds domestic violence perpetrators accountable so that they cannot hurt someone again,” Senator Young said.

Officer John A. Rader, who heads the Project Crossroads program for the City of Jamestown, said, “On behalf of Project Crossroads and the Jamestown Police Department, I would like to thank Senator Young for her continued support of this unique program which has been a part of our community since 1996. The funding received ensures a continued partnership among community members and organizations within our county. Senator Young’s funding also enables Project Crossroads to maintain a heightened presence in the community through education, outreach, and advocacy.”