Office of the District Attorney

P. David Soares
6 Lodge Street
Albany, New York 12207
(518) 487-5460
(518) 487-5093 FAX

ALBANY, NY – ALBANY, NY - Chief Investigator Christian D'Alessandro of the Office of Albany County District Attorney P. David Soares today provided duty weapons and bullet proof vests for the Officers of the Altamont and Coeyman's Police Department under the DA's "Making Crime Pay" program.

"There is a broad discrepancy between the resources available among law enforcement offices in Albany County," District Attorney Soares stated today. "Through this program, we can use assets seized from criminals to help close the gap and meet the serious needs of some of our smaller law enforcement agencies."

Altamont Police Commissioner Salerno expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided to his agency saying, "I would like to thank District Attorney Soares for the support that his Office has provided my agency and for recognizing the professionalism of my Officer and their need for standard law enforcement equipment." Greg Darlington, Chief of the Coeyman's Police Department also expressed his admiration for the District Attorney's "Making Crime Pay" program saying, "This is a positive and aggressive use of asset forfeiture funds which will make a significant impact on public and Officer safety here in Albany County."

DA Soares added, "These purchases today reflect an ongoing commitment by the Office of the District Attorney to use assets seized from criminals to ensure that all those involved in law enforcement have the resources they need to get the job done. This includes neighborhood watch associations to whom we have provided radios and reflective vests as well our colleagues in uniform." Projects funded through the "Making Crime Pay" program include:

1) Seizure of vehicles which have been turned over to the Cohoes Police Department
2) Two way radios and flash lights to support Neighborhood Walk and Watch programs in Cohoes, Delmar and the City of Albany
3) The "Bring it to the Courts" Youth Crime Prevention Program
4) Scholarships for State and Local Police for specialized training and Continuing education for prosecutors.

D'Alessandro ended his presentation by stating that, "This District Attorney is committed to ensuring that crime never pays for those involved in illegal activities, however, we will take those resources that we can secure from criminals and use them to fund anti-crime activities that take place throughout Albany County."