MASSENA — The Massena Police Department will be able to step up its surveillance efforts thanks to a grant secured by state Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome.

Mr. Griffo announced the $5,000 grant alongside Police Chief Timmy J. Currier and Mayor James F. Hidy on Wednesday. Mr. Currier said the funding will be used to install 360-degree video surveillance on an unmarked police vehicle.

The video then would feed into the station, allowing the department to better monitor potential drug houses and other properties in high-crime areas, Mr. Currier said.

“We’re really looking forward to this,” he said. “It’s a great investment for our community.”

Mr. Hidy praised Mr. Griffo for his assistance in securing the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant.

“With the challenges that the Massena Police Department is facing demographically, we have to retool ourselves to fight the crimes we are now seeing,” he said. “This is something the chief and I have discussed for a period of time.”

Mr. Currier declined to answer specific questions about the vehicle.

“This isn’t going to be a big secret,” he said. “People are going to know it’s there.”

Mr. Currier said the $5,000 will complement another department effort. Seven surveillance cameras have been installed recently, two at village parks and five at intersections.

The cameras will help deter criminal activity, record evidence, increase conviction rates and improve village safety, Mr. Currier said previously.

The department is funding the cameras through a grant secured through the office of Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa. Mr. Currier said the cameras already have been put to use; police were able to resolve a disputed car accident last weekend because of an intersection camera.

“It’s my hope we’ll expand that system and have more cameras,” he said.

After the press conference, Mr. Griffo said such efforts should help law-abiding Massena residents feel more secure.

“They work hard their whole lives and they have no peace and quiet,” Mr. Griffo said. “It’s wrong.”

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