Hornell Police Department receives state funds for new equipment

HORNELL, N.Y. ( WETM ) — The Hornell Police Department will be upgrading some of its equipment thanks to state funding.

According to the City of Hornell , the Hornell Police Department recently found out that it was awarded $188,647 in grant funds from New York State. The state gives these tax funds to law enforcement agencies to support technological improvements and investments, and agencies must apply for these grants to receive them. The Hornell PD and the Hornell Mayor’s Office detailed the department’s need for specific upgrades and how these upgrades will benefit the department and the community when applying.

The department is going to use the newly acquired funds to buy two fully outfitted police cars that will be used for patrol and vehicle and traffic enforcement, five tasers with rechargeable batteries to replace the department’s outdated tasers, and three solar feedback signs.

“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 the city,” said Chief Ted Murray about the solar signs. “These signs will alert motorists of their speeds, and our department will continue to closely monitor these areas.”

The HPD is also going to buy two digital mobile radios, five mobile thermal printers, and new computer workstations for around the department. These upgrades will be faster and more efficient than the department’s current aging systems.

The final purchase the department will make with the grant funds is two solar LED school zone signs. Murray says that the school zone signs will improve safety for crossing Seneca Street by increasing awareness for motorists, especially during the morning commute.

The Hornell Police Department is exploring more grant opportunities to make even more improvements.

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