Governor Hochul Announces $5.1 Million for Gun Violence Reduction in Capital Region

Strategic Insights -

As part of the State's Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a significant investment of $5.1 million for Capital Region law enforcement agencies, marking the third consecutive year of record-level funding for the program. The funds will be used to sustain progress in the state's fight against gun violence, with a focus on enhancing training, securing equipment, and improving response times.

The GIVE initiative, launched in 2016, aims to reduce gun violence in high-crime communities across New York State. The program has seen significant success, with a 52 percent reduction in gun violence in GIVE communities since Governor Hochul took office. Specifically, shooting incidents with injury in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy declined 49 percent, and shooting victims decreased by 53 percent from January through June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $5.1 million investment for Capital Region law enforcement agencies to combat gun violence, marking the third consecutive year of record-level funding for the GIVE initiative.
  • The GIVE initiative has seen a 52 percent reduction in gun violence in participating communities since Governor Hochul took office, with a 49 percent decline in shooting incidents with injury and a 53 percent decrease in shooting victims.
  • The investment will support Albany County, Rensselaer County, and Schenectady County law enforcement agencies in their efforts to reduce gun violence and improve community safety.
  • The GIVE initiative requires participating agencies to develop comprehensive plans to address shootings and violent crime, incorporating evidence-based strategies and Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) principles.
  • The State's multifaceted plan to support local law enforcement and community partners has contributed to significant reductions in gun violence throughout New York State.

Statistics:

  • Total funding awarded to date: $36.38 million
  • Number of shooting incidents with injury (GIVE police departments): 242 (2025) vs. 281 (2024)
  • Number of people shot: 275 (2025) vs. 354 (2024)
  • Number of gun violence-related deaths: 49 (2025) vs. 58 (2024)
  • Reduction in index crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft) in the Capital Region: 24 percent (2025 vs. 2024)
  • Reduction in index crimes in Schenectady: 27 percent; 25 percent in Troy; and 20 percent in Albany

Sources:

  • Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
  • New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
  • Albany County Sheriff's Office
  • Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office
  • Schenectady County Sheriff's Office
  • City of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan
  • City of Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy
  • City of Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello