State Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I – North Tonawanda) today delivered a combined $50,000 in state funding to support programs, services and public safety efforts in Niagara County. The funding, secured in this year’s state budget, is in addition to funds secured by the Senator last year.  

Senator Ortt presented a ceremonial check to Niagara County law enforcement agencies to help fight against crime, operate more effectively and efficiently, and to increase public protection efforts. The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office and the Lockport Police Department received $10,000 each. The police department plans to use the funds to purchase approximately 50 new handguns for officers.

The Sheriff’s Office is purchasing equipment for its Crime Scene Unit. Equipment includes cameras to document crime scenes and assist with criminal investigations, and a vehicle lift to use in forensic processing of vehicles involved in criminal activity.

Additionally, the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office and the Niagara County Veterans Court each received $15,000 in funding. The DA’s Office is using the money to purchase body and dashboard cameras for evidence-based prosecutions in criminal trials and Grand Jury presentations. The camera equipment, for example, will help to prosecute domestic violence offenders in cases where the victim is unable or unwilling to cooperate, or is afraid to testify. The cameras will also enable prosecutors to use high quality images and video to show details of injuries and events to judges and juries.     

Funding for the Niagara County Veterans Court in Lockport will better assist military veterans going through the treatment program. The court is designated for veterans who commit a crime that’s caused by a mental health diagnosis or substance abuse issues.