David R. Roefaro, Mayor

City of Utica, New York

       Utica Secures Federal Grant to Track Sex Offenders

April 22, 2008

Utica, NY - Mayor David Roefaro announced today that the City of Utica Police Department has been awarded a $281,891 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Adam Walsh SMART Grant Program. The award, made possible through the support of Congressman Michael Arcuri, will promote the creation of a Sex Offender Tracking Force.

“This Grant will give law enforcement the resources to provide better tracking of the registered sex offenders in our city,” said Utica Mayor David Roefaro.  “We’ve got to be proactive in dealing with these types of crimes, and this Grant does just that.”

Congressman Michael Arcuri (NY-24) said, “As Oneida County District Attorney for 13 years, I know first-hand how important it is to be able to track down and apprehend sex-offenders who are a threat to our communities. This funding will help ensure law enforcement in Utica has the tools necessary to keep our children safe.”

Utica Public Safety Commissioner Dan LaBella said, “With the intense supervision that it takes to monitor sex offenders, this program will provide that additional layer of protection for the children of our community.”

Funds will be used to assist the Utica Police Department in enhancing local sex offender registration by conducting address verification and improving community notification. Initiatives will include regular visitation of offender’s homes, creation of a multi-jurisdictional task force, monitoring offender’s computer use, and development of offender tracking software.