Governor Hochul Highlights Continued Investments in Northern Border Security and Law Enforcement Technology

Strategic Insights -

Governor Kathy Hochul, in her ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and security of New Yorkers, has announced a $8 million investment in the FY26 state budget to boost State Police enforcement efforts at the Northern Border. This investment builds on previous initiatives to enhance border security, including a $5 million commitment in FY25 for equipment and training to detect contraband and improve drone software. The Governor's plan aims to prevent transnational criminal organizations from trafficking guns, drugs, and people into the state.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $8 million investment in FY26 will fund personnel and equipment enhancements, including additional investigators for the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in Plattsburgh, six intelligence analysts for cross-border cases, and additional support personnel.
  • The funding will also be used to purchase mobile license plate readers, counter drone equipment and software, and patrol vehicles and boats for State Police in the North Country.
  • Governor Hochul has directed $127 million for local police agencies across the state to upgrade law enforcement technology, with $2.6 million allocated for the North Country.
  • The Plattsburgh Police Department will receive over $500,000 to purchase two drones and a 3-D crime scene laser scanner.
  • Since taking office, Governor Hochul has made public safety a top priority, investing nearly $3 billion in public safety efforts.
  • State Police have successfully conducted drone operations to locate individuals trafficking controlled substances, used license plate readers to identify and apprehend fugitives, and completed intelligence-driven investigations that led to the search and seizure of illegal handguns.
  • Investments in additional security measures have resulted in an increase in gun seizures and Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) issued in the North Country, as well as a decrease in index crimes throughout the region.
  • In 2024, State Police Troops patrolling northern border areas seized 3378 guns, a 57 percent increase since 2019.
  • In 2024, 150 ERPOs were issued, with 119 issued so far in 2025.
  • Index crime in Plattsburgh is down 3 percent from January to May 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Statistics:

  • $8 million investment in FY26 to enhance State Police enforcement efforts at the Northern Border.
  • $5 million commitment in FY25 for equipment and training to detect contraband and improve drone software.
  • $127 million directed for local police agencies to upgrade law enforcement technology, with $2.6 million allocated for the North Country.
  • Over $500,000 allocated for the Plattsburgh Police Department to purchase two drones and a 3-D crime scene laser scanner.
  • 3378 guns seized by State Police Troops in 2024, a 57 percent increase since 2019.
  • 150 ERPOs issued in 2024, with 119 issued so far in 2025.
  • 3 percent decrease in index crime in Plattsburgh from January to May 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Sources:

  • Governor Kathy Hochul's press release, "Safer Streets: Governor Hochul Highlights Continued Investments in Northern Border Security and Law Enforcement Technology in the North Country", September 9 [Source not available due to restrictions]
  • Governor Kathy Hochul's press release, "Governor Hochul Announces $8 Million Investment in Northern Border Security and Law Enforcement Technology", September 9 [Source not available due to restrictions]