For many years, violent crime, specifically gun violence, has plagued the city of utica and had a detrimental effect on the quality of life for residents

The City of Utica, through its Police Department (UPD), received a $191,700 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program (CFDA 16.738). The funding will enable the UPD to purchase new cellular technology and provide training to enhance its capabilities in investigating violent crimes, particularly gun violence incidents, within the city. Specifically, the grant will support the acquisition of advanced cellular unlock and data extraction tools, as well as cover overtime costs for officers performing these investigative activities. This program is expected to benefit all Utica residents, especially those living in high gun violence areas, as well as neighboring communities and visitors. The grant has a period of performance from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2026.

In response, the utica police department (UPD) proposes to implement a new project that would aim to reduce instances of violent shooting assaults and other firearm-related offenses that occur within the city of utica. This program would provide the UPD with the opportunity to purchase new technology that would significantly increase cellular unlock and extraction capabilities when investigating violent crimes. In addition, IT would allow sworn members of the department to attend the training courses needed to operate the technology, as well as cover overtime costs related to performing these activities. This program would ultimately benefit all city residents, specifically those living in areas with a high concentration of gun violence, as well as neighboring towns and city visitors.