Suffolk County law enforcement agencies, including the District Attorney, Police, Sheriff, and Probation Departments will receive a combined $1.3 million from the state as part of a statewide effort to reduce crimes with guns.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced $36 million for the “Safer Streets” program to enhance local law enforcement efforts across the state.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine hosted Governor Hochul at the Suffolk County Police Academy. The funding will bolster a nationally recognized program, the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative that provides law enforcement agencies in 28 communities outside of New York City with state funding for equipment, overtime, and personnel, as well as comprehensive, focused training and technical assistance.
Long Island will receive $2.7 million overall with Suffolk County getting $1,333,943
- Suffolk County District Attorney – $564,291
- Suffolk County Police Department – $459,998
- Suffolk County Probation Department – $176,256
- Suffolk County Sheriff's Office – $133,398
The program is credited for a 52% drop in shootings between 2021 and 2024. Last year, shooting incidents with injury reached the lowest point since the state began tracking data in 2006. In 2024, Long Island had the lowest number of shootings in recent recorded history.
“The GIVE initiative is a crucial part of our comprehensive plan to reduce firearm-related violent crime — and it’s working. That’s why we are doubling down and reinvesting $36 million to ensure that law enforcement agencies across the state have the tools they need to stop shootings and proactively prevent gun violence,” said Hochul.
Collectively, GIVE participating communities saw reductions in all seven index crime categories – four violent (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and three property (burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft) – during the first quarter of 2025 when compared to the same period last year. Preliminary data reported to DCJS showed an 18 percent reduction in total index crimes, a 19 percent decrease in violent crime, and an 18 percent decline in property crimes.
Suffolk County Police Department Commissioner Kevin Catalina said, “The grant money builds upon our success in fighting gun violence, providing funds to focus on enforcement and community outreach efforts.”
Long Island saw similar preliminary trends, with the Nassau County and Suffolk County police departments reporting double-digit decreases in total index crime, violent crime, and property crime reported, and the Hempstead Police reporting double-digit reductions in total index crime and violent crime, and an eight percent decline in property crime.
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. said, “The GIVE grant has been a critical tool in our efforts to reduce gun violence by funding key personnel and supporting programs that reach at-risk youth before trouble does. This is what real collaboration looks like, and we’re proud to continue this vital work together.”
Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin said, “Today marks a significant step forward in our fight to keep our kids safer in Suffolk County, ensuring that their future is not defined by the fear of violence but rather the promise of hope and possibility.”