State awards Hornell PD $188,000 grant. Here's how the money will be spent.

The Hornell Police Department will use a nearly $200,000 grant for two new patrol cars, several solar radar traffic signs and technology upgrades at police headquarters.

The $188,647 New York state grant gives the Hornell PD new tools to improve public safety and enhance efficiency, city officials said.

"We are deeply appreciative to the State of New York for these funds. Anytime we receive grant funds, it alleviates spending from the city taxpayer," Hornell Mayor John Buckley said.

Here's what the Hornell Police Department will use the grant money for.

LED school zone signs, radar traffic signs

Hornell plans to acquire a pair of solar LED school zone signs and three radar feedback traffic signs to slow speeders at the city limits.

“We receive complaints about speeding motorists at entry points to the City; whether it’s motorists speeding up when departing the City, or traveling at an excessive speed when entering," Police Chief Ted Murray said. "These signs will alert motorists of their speeds, and our department will continue to closely monitor these areas.”

The LED school zone signs will address heavier traffic on Seneca Street in the morning around the Junior/Senior High School.

"These signs will increase visibility and awareness for motorists and improve safety crossing Seneca," Murray said.

Police department upgrades vehicle fleet with new cars

The police department said the pair of new marked patrol units will replace older vehicles. The fully outfitted cars will be utilized for patrol and traffic enforcement, the department said.

Other technology improvements at Hornell PD through grant

Funding will support multiple technology upgrades, including new computer work stations, five mobile thermal printers, two digital mobile radios and five upgraded tasers.

According to the city, Hornell's grant application highlighted the advanced age of the current workstations at the police station, emphasizing the need for new computers, updated systems, monitors and printers to improve access to platforms that are used daily.

"We will be updating our reporting system to a county-wide system, and these new workstations will improve compatibility with that system," Murray said. "This will enhance our system for everyone in the county."

The new tasers, Taser 7 Electronic Control Devices, will replace aging Taser X2s. The Taser 7 upgrade includes the hardware, software, as well as licensing for five years, and offers improved, rechargeable battery supplies, the police department said.

The grant was spearheaded through the mayor’s office, with the collaboration of the police department.

“We are happy to receive this grant and be able to make important upgrades to our department," said Police Capt. Mike Sexsmith, who completed the grant application.

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