Auburn– Continuing his aggressive efforts in combating crime, State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio, Chairman of the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee, today announced that has secured $80,000 in state funding for anti-crime initiatives in the City of Auburn.
“As State Senator, keeping our streets safe is one of my top priorities,” said Senator Nozzolio. “These initiatives will go a long way to help keep our kids and our entire community safe.”
Senator Nozzolio secured $50,000 for the development of an after-school program for teens to be run by the Cayuga Seneca Community Agency. The program will offer group activities for the young people, including computer training and recreational and cultural opportunities.
“After-school programs help to keep our kids out of trouble and it was a pleasure to secure this funding and invest in the successful futures of our kids,” continued Senator Nozzolio. “This program will provide opportunities for kids and allow them to resist the temptation of delinquency.”
Gloria Griffin, Executive Director of the Cayuga Seneca Community Action Agency, said, “Today, there are a number of kids in our community that are left alone for hours each day. This after-school program will help kids stay safe and we look forward to working with the Booker T. Washington Center and the community to provide activities and keep our kids active after school ends each day.”
Studies show that teens are more likely to commit a crime, be a victim of a crime, be in a car accident, and smoke or use drugs in the hours after school lets out for the day. The after-school program will allow teens to meet one-on-one with a counselor who will help the teen develop a long-term plan for life. The program will run on weekdays from 3-6pm and on weekends.
As part of his anti-crime initiative, Senator Nozzolio also announced a $30,000 State grant for the Auburn Police Department to provide crime prevention programs.
"The Auburn Police Department is one of the finest law enforcement agencies in our region and I was pleased to help secure this funding to assist the Department in their efforts to protect our citizens and families and ensure the safety of Auburn’s streets and neighborhoods," said Nozzolio.
The funding will be used by the Auburn Police Department for new programs to protect the community, including:
● An expanded Neighborhood Watch program within the city. The funding will be used to provide materials and police assistance to successfully organize an expansion of the program into more neighborhoods in Auburn;
● the distribution of crime prevention materials to area businesses to reduce robberies, shoplifting and enhance building security. The program will allow the police department to work with the business community in preventing crime;
● a program providing young people, ages 16-24, with instruction from police officers on how to carefully operate motor vehicles. The officers will instruct the students in a structured classroom setting, using prepared lessons and demonstrations, to help decrease in the area the number of car accidents involving young people.
Auburn Police Chief Gary Giannotta said, "Year in and year out, Senator Nozzolio has helped our police department and we are extremely fortunate to have him fighting for us in the State Senate. Senator Nozzolio has once again proven that he cares about our city residents. On behalf of the entire department, I thank Senator Nozzolio for his assistance."
"As Chairman of the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee, supporting the needs and interests of our local law enforcement is one of my top priorities. Our communities are only as strong as those who serve and protect them and I commend the Auburn Police Department for their continued commitment to preventing crime and making our communities and State better places in which to live, work and raise a family," Nozzolio concluded.
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