OSWEGO, NY – The Oswego County District Attorney’s Office has been awarded $11,708 in state funds to help local law enforcement agencies purchase equipment for video recording of statements.
The project is overseen by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services and is intended to help law enforcement efforts and prosecution outcomes by videotaping interviews and interrogations.
“This grant money allows law enforcement agencies to purchase additional equipment so as to expand the number of interviews being recorded,” said District Attorney Greg Oakes. “Truly, the recording of the interview has worked out tremendously for law enforcement. The video allows a court and jury to hear a defendant’s admissions while seeing his facial expressions and gestures, which often tell as much of his words. Ultimately, this grant money will help my office prosecute crimes and keep the community safe.”
Five law enforcement agencies were approved to participate in the project.
The Fulton City Police Department will receive $5,000; Oswego City Police Department will receive $4,038; Phoenix Village Police Department will receive $785; Pulaski Village Police Department will receive $785; and the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office will receive $1,100.
“The goal of the video recording of statements initiative is to enhance law enforcement efforts and prosecution outcomes through videotaping of interviews and interrogations from beginning to end,” said Michael C. Green, executive deputy commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services, in a letter to District Attorney Oakes.
Green congratulated District Attorney Oakes and said the Division of Criminal Justice Services looks forward to working with the District Attorney’s Office “in developing and adopting methods that will enhance the integrity of the criminal justice system and improve public safety.”
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