ARCURI GAINS ANOTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT ENDORSEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                        CONTACT:

October 22, 2008                                                                 Jordan Karp, 315-733-1400

ARCURI GAINS ANOTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT ENDORSEMENT

Police Conference of New York, Inc Highlights Legislation to Fight Gangs

UTICA, NY – Congressman Mike Arcuri was endorsed today by the Police Conference of New York, Inc., in his bid for re-election. The law enforcement organization highlighted his commitment to increased funding for public safety initiatives, including vital funding increases for the Community Oriented Policing Program (COPS) and legislation to fight gang violence in our communities.

"As a former District Attorney, I know how important it is to give law enforcement the tools they need to fight crime and keep our neighborhoods safe," Arcuri said. "That is why I sponsored critical legislation to help local communities fight gangs and fought to increase funding for the COPS program and Weed and Seed grants. I know from first-hand experience that crime is cyclical and I am committed to working with our police officers to contain crime in all its forms."

To help local communities combat gang violence, Arcuri sponsored the Providing Electronic Resources and Prosecutors Act (H.R. 3568), which would reduce violent crime through federal grants to hire additional prosecutors and upgrade crime fighting technology. H.R. 3568 was included in the Gang Prevention, Intervention, and Suppression Act, which would increase and improve law enforcement resources committed to the investigation and prosecution of violent gangs.

In his first year in office, Arcuri guided legislation through the House which included $725 million for the Community Oriented Policing (COPS) Program. Since 1994, the COPS program has allowed police departments in the 24th congressional district to hire an additional 201 police officers and/or sheriff's deputies through $15,180,133 in grants. The bill also contained critical increases in funding for the Weed and Seed program.  Arcuri cosponsored the bipartisan COPS Reauthorization Act, passed by the House of Representatives.

The Police Conference of New York (PCNY) is a highly regarded statewide association whose objectives are the protection of the interests of law enforcement officers, including sponsorship of legislation perceived to be in their best interests, the giving of aid and assistance to membership.

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