Report on New York State’s Investment in Public Safety and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report details New York State’s recent investment in law enforcement technology, with a specific focus on the East Greenbush Police Department. The funding initiatives align directly with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). By enhancing technological capabilities, fostering inter-agency collaboration, and funding violence prevention programs, the state is working to build safer communities and more effective, accountable institutions.

Investment in Law Enforcement Technology and Institutional Capacity

State and local officials have highlighted significant investments aimed at modernizing law enforcement capabilities. This funding is a strategic effort to advance public safety and support the rule of law, a core component of SDG 16.

• Assemblymember John T. McDonald III confirmed support for funding enhanced law enforcement technology within the NYS Budget, noting its allocation to the East Greenbush Police Department and other Capital Region communities.
• The objective is to improve crime detection and resolution, thereby increasing public safety and assisting officers. This aligns with SDG Target 16.3, which promotes the rule of law and ensures equal access to justice.
• East Greenbush Town Supervisor Jack Conway remarked that the Law Enforcement Technology grant has modernized service delivery and enhanced community safety, reflecting the principles of effective governance outlined in SDG 16.

Strengthening Institutions and Justice (SDG 16)

The state’s approach involves strengthening key justice institutions and utilizing collaborative platforms to ensure they are effective and accountable. The Capital Region Crime Analysis Center serves as a prime example of this commitment.

1. The Center has processed over 10,000 requests for service in the current year, demonstrating its crucial role in regional law enforcement.
2. It has provided direct support to the East Greenbush Police Department in 83 instances.
3. The Center’s assistance has been instrumental in solving a range of cases, from locating missing vulnerable adults to identifying suspects in multi-jurisdictional fraud schemes, thereby strengthening investigative capacity and upholding justice.

Furthermore, the FY26 Enacted Budget maintains $347 million for gun violence prevention programs, a direct contribution to SDG Target 16.1, which aims to significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates.

Developing Sustainable and Safe Communities (SDG 11)

The investments contribute to making cities and communities safer and more resilient, a key objective of SDG 11. The combination of advanced technology and strategic programs fosters a secure environment for residents.

• The decline in crime statistics throughout the region is attributed to the success of initiatives like the Gun-involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) program and new policies to expand police recruitment.
• By improving public safety, these efforts make communities more inclusive and sustainable, in line with SDG Target 11.1, which focuses on ensuring access to safe and affordable housing and basic services.

Institutional Framework and Partnerships (SDG 17)

The Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) provides the foundational support necessary for the state’s entire criminal justice system, embodying the multi-stakeholder partnerships championed by SDG 17. The collaboration between state government, local municipalities, and specialized centers demonstrates an effective partnership model for achieving common goals.

Core Functions of the DCJS include:

• Training for law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals.
• Oversight of law enforcement accreditation and equipment standards.
• Management and analysis of criminal justice grant funding and statewide crime data.
• Coordination of youth justice policy and support for alternatives to incarceration programs.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This is the primary SDG addressed in the article. The text focuses extensively on enhancing public safety, reducing crime, and strengthening law enforcement institutions. It discusses investments in technology for police departments, programs to prevent gun violence, and the role of crime analysis centers. These efforts are central to building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels, which is the core mission of SDG 16.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

   The article directly connects to this target by highlighting the “significant declines in crime statistics” and the investment of “$347 million in unprecedented funding… for gun violence prevention programs.” These actions are aimed at reducing violence and making communities safer.

2. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and local levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

   The article mentions that enhanced technology allows law enforcement to “detect and solve crimes faster.” The work of the Capital Region Crime Analysis Center in helping to “solve cases ranging from locating missing vulnerable adults to identifying suspects tied to multi-jurisdictional fraud schemes” is a clear example of promoting the rule of law and delivering justice.

3. Target 16.a: Strengthen relevant national institutions… to build capacity at all levels… to prevent violence and combat… crime.

   The article details efforts to strengthen local law enforcement institutions. The “funding for enhanced law enforcement technology” for the East Greenbush Police Department and the support provided by the “Capital Region Crime Analysis Center” are direct examples of building capacity at the local level to combat crime more effectively.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Crime Statistics/Rates: The article explicitly mentions “significant declines in crime statistics throughout our region and state.” This is a direct indicator used to measure progress towards reducing violence (Target 16.1).
• Case Resolution/Clearance Rates: The text implies this indicator by stating that technology helps “detect and solve crimes faster” and that the Crime Analysis Center has “helped solve cases.” The number of cases solved or the speed of resolution serves as a measure of the effectiveness of the justice system (Target 16.3).
• Financial Investment in Public Safety: The article quantifies the investment in public safety, citing the “FY26 Enacted Budget maintained $347 million in unprecedented funding” and the “Law Enforcement Technology grant.” This financial allocation is a clear indicator of the resources dedicated to strengthening institutions (Target 16.a).
• Requests for Service Handled: The mention that the “Capital Region Crime Analysis Center, which has handled more than 10,000 requests for service so far this year” is a performance indicator measuring the operational capacity and utility of a key justice institution (Target 16.a).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: governor.ny.gov