Council accepts state grant to add domestic‑violence detectives, funds split includes outside institute support

The Niagara Falls City Council approved acceptance of a 2025–26 grant from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services to support domestic‑violence response and related services for the Police Department.

Council materials and discussion indicate the grant will fund two detectives dedicated to domestic‑violence work. The mayor’s office said roughly $199,000 of the award will be directed to the John F. Kennedy Institute for Public Safety for positions described in the packet, while other funds will pay two detectives employed by the city. Staff said a crime analyst and a scribe/coordinator will be employed through the institute rather than directly by the city.

Council members asked whether the grant is renewable; administration staff said funding is available for the coming 12 months but could not guarantee state or legislative allocations in future years.

The resolution to accept the grant and authorize related documents passed by roll call vote.