LI police win grants to target violence

Long Island police departments will receive more than $2 million in state grants to target violent crime, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Monday.

Nassau County will receive $971,400 and Suffolk County will receive $1.2 million under the state's "Operation IMPACT" program.

"We must do all we can to ensure that New York State is a safe place to live, raise a family and do business," Cuomo said in a news release. "This funding through Operation IMPACT will provide much-needed resources so that local law enforcement partners can develop community-specific strategies designed to prevent and reduce crime."

The program funds personnel and technology investments to analyze crime data and trends.

"This money will be used to help Suffolk County Police Department target violent and gun crimes and domestic violence," said Kevin Fallon, deputy inspector at the Suffolk County Police Department.

The Hempstead police department will receive $216,500 of Nassau's grant.

The state Division of Criminal Justice Service administers the program, which awarded nearly $13 million to police departments in 17 counties. The grants are competitive, with priority weighted toward counties that have higher crime rates.

Last year, Nassau received $1 million and Suffolk received $1.2 million under the program.