Safer Streets: Governor Hochul Highlights Continued Investments in Northern Border Security and Law Enforcement Technology in the North Country

Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the State's efforts to enhance New York's Northern Border security and prevent transnational criminal organizations from trafficking guns, drugs and people. During a visit with New York State Police Troop B in Plattsburgh, Governor Hochul highlighted her recent $8 million investment in the FY26 state budget to boost State Police enforcement efforts at the Northern Border, building on previous investments to enhance border security last year.

"Since taking office, I have been clear with New Yorkers that their safety will always be my number one priority," Governor Hochul said. "By strategically investing in securing our borders, keeping our streets safe and preventing dangerous individuals from illegally trafficking guns, drugs and other illicit items, we are delivering on that promise - and we will continue to do so to ensure safety and security across the North Country."

State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "We appreciate Governor Hochul for funding the strategic investments in personnel, technology and equipment that will be used to combat transnational crime at the northern border. With these new resources, we are better equipped to track cross-border criminal activity, share intelligence with our law enforcement partners, and disrupt criminal networks before they can endanger New Yorkers."

The $8 million investment in Governor Hochul's FY26 State Budget provides funding for personnel and equipment enhancements including additional investigators for the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in Plattsburgh, six intelligence analysts who provide investigative support for cross-border cases, additional investigators and intelligence analysts for the State Police counter drone initiative, and additional support personnel. Additionally, State Police in the North Country have utilized funding for mobile license plate readers, counter drone equipment and software, and patrol vehicles and boats.

Governor Hochul also directed $127 million for local police agencies across the state to upgrade law enforcement technology, including $2.6 million for police departments in the North Country. More than half a million dollars of that funding was awarded to the Plattsburgh Police Department to enable the purchase of two drones and a 3-D crime scene laser scanner.

Additional funding follows a $5 million commitment from Governor Hochul in FY25 for the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the New York State Police to enhance border security through the purchase of equipment and training that enables better detection of contraband, enhanced drone software, additional license plate readers, and more.

With additional resources for enhanced law enforcement personnel and technology, State Police have successfully conducted drone operations to locate individuals trafficking controlled substances, utilized license plate readers to identify and apprehend fugitives and suspects at risk of fleeing near the border, and completed intelligence-driven investigations that led to the search and seizure of illegal handguns.

Investments in additional security measures have resulted in an increase in gun seizures and Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) issued in the North Country, as well as a decrease in index crimes throughout the region. In 2024, State Police Troops that patrol northern border areas from Western New York to the North Country seized 3,378 guns - a 57 percent increase since 2019. In 2024, 150 ERPOs were issued total, with 119 issued so far in 2025. Index crime in Plattsburgh is down 3 percent from January through May 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Governor Hochul continues to invest in broader public safety initiatives to keep New Yorkers safe, committing nearly $3 billion to public safety efforts to date.

Contact the Governor's Press Office