Albany PD partners with ATF/FBI to stop crime

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Police in Albany on Monday announced a collaboration with the ATF and FBI to keep crime down during the summer months.

In the latest crime figures released by the Albany Police Department, shooting incidents and victims are up. The homicide rate is unchanged. Gun arrests are up 40 percent, gun recoveries are up 116 percent and shots fired incidents are down 12 percent. However, Albany police chief Eric Hawkins says the lower shooting rate but higher victim rate is a telltale sign.

“That's an indicator that the shootings that we're seeing are more targeted type shootings. Because, as you can see, last year at this time we had 73 shootings but only 31 victims. This year we have fewer shootings but more victims,” said Albany PD Chief Eric Hawkins.

It’s often said prevention is the best cure and Albany authorities say they want to prevent crime before it happens. Their methods include a neighborhood engagement unit that looks for loud music complaints to break up illegal parties, and utilizing community partnerships with agencies like Men on a Mission and Pastors on Patrol. Those groups are dedicated to engaging with troubled youth particularly young men who Hawkins says are often the city’s crime suspects. 

The ATF is helping out, announcing a specialized officer who can charge a suspect in federal court should a federal firearm violation be uncovered.

“ATF is sponsoring an Albany detective to be a full-time task force officer who has complete access to all of ATF's investigative intelligence and laboratory resources,” said Mark Meeks, Special Agent in Charge of ATF NY.

The agency also announced a national integrated ballistics network that uses a new high-resolution camera that compares recovered guns and shell casings to those from previous recoveries.

"The machine allows Albany PD to generate actionable leads that can link shootings with recovered firearms in as little as eight hours. This is a critical tool in investigating shootings and other firearms-related crimes," Agent Meeks added.

And while the FBI is collaborating with Albany PD to prevent crime, they want your help. 

"I know it can be intimidating but your voice matters. You can always reach out to us anonymously through 1-800-Call-FBI or going to tips.fbi.gov," said Craig Tremaroli of the FBI.