(WNY News Now) – New York will provide $100 million to help law enforcement agencies upgrade technology, improve public safety, and replace an outdated statewide records management system under a new initiative announced by Governor Kathy Hochul.

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $100 million investment aimed at helping law enforcement agencies across New York State modernize technology and improve public safety.

The funding, included in the FY27 Enacted Budget, dedicates $75 million through the Law Enforcement Technology (LETECH) Grant Program for police departments and sheriffs’ offices to purchase updated equipment and technology. An additional $25 million will fund a new statewide records management system designed to replace a decades-old platform and improve information sharing among agencies.

According to the Governor’s Office, the latest investment builds on $127 million previously awarded to 378 law enforcement agencies across New York, from Western New York to Long Island.

Eligible purchases under the LETECH program include body-worn cameras, drones, acoustic gunshot detection systems, 3-D crime scene scanners, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), trauma kits, traffic safety equipment, communication platforms, and specialized records management systems. Funding may also support technology used by 911 centers, emergency management operations, parking enforcement, and code enforcement.

Approximately 500 law enforcement agencies outside New York City are eligible to apply, including village, town, city, tribal police departments, and county sheriffs’ offices. Grant awards will range from $100,000 for smaller agencies with 10 or fewer sworn officers to as much as $6 million for the state’s largest departments.

State officials said the new records management system was requested by local police chiefs, sheriffs, and district attorneys to improve reporting and data sharing. The system will also be made available to more than 150 smaller and rural agencies that currently lack the resources to upgrade their technology.

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) will administer the grants and notify eligible agencies that applications are now available. Agencies must comply with the state’s recently enacted Local Cops, Local Crimes Act to qualify for funding.

Applications are due by noon on September 2, 2026. Award recipients are expected to be announced in early fall, with grant contracts running from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2028.