Staten Island Reporter

(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - To kick off National Police Week, today Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) joined Chief Joseph Gulotta and other members of Staten Island Borough Command to highlight federal funding the Congresswoman secured for the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Malliotakis is the only federal representative from New York City to have secured funds for the NYPD in Congress over the last two years.

"This week, we're celebrating National Police Week and it's incredibly important for elected officials to show their police officers that they respect and appreciate the work that they do," Malliotakis said. "One way we can do that is by making sure they have the tools and resources they need to do their job. I said I was going to go to Washington and help to fund our police, and that's exactly what we've done. Over the last two years, we've delivered millions of dollars for our NYPD for specific things that they've said they needed, including forensic equipment and protective gear, and this year, for vehicles and plate reader systems that will be used in their fight to stop rising car thefts. We support the men and women of the NYPD and I will continue to advocate and deliver critical funds so they can get the job done and keep us safe. If you see a police officer, thank them for the work they're doing."

In Congress, Malliotakis has secured nearly $6 million for the NYPD, including:

• $350,000 for Critical Response Command K9-Training and Equipment
• $550,000 for Personal Protective Equipment
• $1,000,000 for Patrol Response Vehicles
• $2,000,000 for Forensic Equipment
• $2,000,000 for Fixed Plate Reader Systems

Malliotakis' latest funding request also includes $2,200,000 for the replacement of out-of-date tasers and belt-work trauma kits.

This week, the House will be voting on several pieces of pro-police legislation, including a resolution expressing support for local law enforcement officers and condemning efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies, the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act which gives police precincts access to retired equipment and the POLICE Act of 2023, which Malliotakis cosponsors, that strengthens penalties against those who assault law enforcement.

"I want to thank the Congresswoman for the funding, it's going to go a long way in keeping New York City and Staten Island safe," Chief Gulotta said. "The funding coming up with the plate readers and the vehicles will help keep Staten Island safe. We are seeing an increase in auto-related crime, but those plate readers will help us fight all crime by giving us the identification of where vehicles used in crimes have moved to and from. Also looking at the trauma kits the Congresswoman earmarked, I've watched numerous videos of our officers putting them in place, saving numerous people - gunshot victims, vehicle accident victims - it's really just a tremendous asset. This funding is really going to go a long way in keeping Staten Island and the City of New York safe."

WATCH MALLIOTAKIS' PRESS CONFERENCE HERE

Original source can be found here.