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Governor Kathy Hochul Announces $500,000 for Jefferson County Law Enforcement Agencies to Combat Gun Violence

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Governor Kathy Hochul's administration has continued its efforts to address gun violence in New York, with a focus on supporting local law enforcement agencies in their fight against violent crime. The recently announced funding of nearly $500,000 for Jefferson County law enforcement agencies is part of the state's comprehensive plan to reduce shootings and firearm-related violent crime. This funding builds on the state's progress in reducing gun violence, with GIVE police departments reporting a 14% decrease in shooting incidents with injury and a 22% decrease in gun violence-related deaths compared to the same period in 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Governor's administration has provided nearly $500,000 in funding to Jefferson County law enforcement agencies to support their efforts in combating gun violence.
  • The Watertown Police Department has reported zero shooting incidents with injury during the first six months of 2024 and 2025, continuing its strong track record of safety and prevention.
  • The state's GIVE initiative has contributed to a significant reduction in gun violence, with 762 fewer individuals injured and 104 fewer people killed in GIVE communities since Governor Hochul took office.
  • GIVE police departments saw a 14% decrease in shooting incidents with injury and a 22% decrease in gun violence-related deaths compared to the same period in 2024.
  • The funding for the GIVE initiative has been allocated to several agencies in the North Country Region, including the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the Watertown Police Department, and the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office.
  • The state's multifaceted plan to support local law enforcement and community partners has led to a reduction in all seven index crime categories, including a 19% decrease in violent crime and an 18% decline in property crimes.

Statistics:

  • 242 shooting incidents with injury reported by GIVE police departments between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2025, down from 281 during the same period in 2024.
  • 275 people shot, down from 354 during the same period in 2024.
  • 9 fewer gun violence-related deaths (49 vs. 58) during the same period in 2024.
  • 762 fewer individuals injured by gun violence since Governor Hochul took office.
  • 104 fewer people killed in GIVE communities since Governor Hochul took office.
  • Funding for the GIVE initiative: $36.38 million, with $36 million awarded and the remainder reserved for emerging needs identified by participating agencies.

Sources:

  • News release issued by the Office of the Governor Kathy Hochul on June 30, 2025.
  • "State's multifaceted plan to support local law enforcement and community partners has led to a reduction in all seven index crime categories." (Source: News release issued by the Office of the Governor Kathy Hochul on June 30, 2025)
  • "GIVE initiative has contributed to a significant reduction in gun violence, with 762 fewer individuals injured and 104 fewer people killed in GIVE communities since Governor Hochul took office." (Source: News release issued by the Office of the Governor Kathy Hochul on June 30, 2025)
  • 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. (Source: News release issued by the Office of the Governor Kathy Hochul on June 30, 2025)

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