4/24/2024 - 1:35 PM

Mayor Mantello Announces Public Safety Initiative, ‘Project Sentinel’, Alongside Troy Police Department

Troy, NY (April 24) – Mayor Carmella Mantello and the Troy Police Department are excited to announce, ‘Project Sentinel’, a public safety initiative. 

"As we continue to make progress in making a cleaner and more resilient Troy, we are also investing in making it safer," said Mayor Mantello. "From day one, I pledged that public safety would be my top priority and today we are announcing ‘Project Sentinel’, an important initiative using intelligence and data to address crime."

‘Project Sentinel’ will enlist a defined group of strategic and readily available personnel to support intelligence-led operations throughout the city. They will augment existing units that focus on quality-of-life issues and violent crime. Officers assigned to ‘Project Sentinel’ will perform duties in uniform and plainclothes as needed. Operations will focus on existing locations where increased criminal activity is reported and/or reoccurring quality of life issues that are negatively impacting the community. This group of officers will partner with other Troy PD units and departments across all city operations as needed to seek resolutions to the identified problems. 

"Project Sentinel sends a clear, unequivocal message to anyone considering bringing drugs or violence into our city: we will find you, and we will arrest you," Mayor Mantello stated.

Police Chief Dan DeWolf stated, “Project Sentinel and our other anti-violence initiatives are part of our continued commitment to safer streets within our Troy community. These programs combine relationship building, awareness efforts and evidence-based enforcement. We will continue to partner with other criminal justice agencies as well as community members in pursuit of preventing, responding to and investigating crimes that occur within our neighborhoods.”

Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Outreach Kevin Pryor stated, “This is a much-needed change in our community. Adults and youth alike need to realize that the Troy Police Department is here to protect and serve all communities. ‘Project Sentinel’ is going to provide necessary support to the Department and our neighborhoods.”

Sam Chiappone, QLC Co-Facilitator with Little Italy stated, “Project Sentinel, in collaboration with patrol units and community police, will be a great resource to make the entire city safe for all. I welcome the program to our neighborhood.”

David Bach with Unity House stated, “The City of Troy and its residents benefit when the community as a whole works toward common goals. Community engagement and effective change happen at the neighborhood level.  The residents, Mayor's Office, Troy PD, community organizations like Unity House, and other non-profits share the same vision of progress and success for this great city, and I am excited to work with all those involved to fulfill our role in that partnership.”

Joycelyn and Mac Henderson, Heads of Central Little League in North Central stated, “This collaborative effort between the Troy Police Department, Mayor’s Office and community is going to transform our city. Our youth deserve to live in a safe city, and this project ensures that.”

In addition to ‘Project Sentinel’, various initiatives have been implemented to address crime throughout the city:

GIVE Funding

Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) grant funding, a NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services award that funds a Detective that focuses on non-fatal-shooting incidents. This funds prosecution, field intelligence efforts and multi-agency coordinated efforts. The award also provides funding for extra patrols to be involved in the community through the City of Troy’s Park/Walk/Talk program, which aims to build relationships with members of the community. It allows for a more proactive approach for investigations involving probationers/parolees, a collaborative effort with NYS Parole and Rensselaer County Probation and Sheriff’s office. 

Byrne Justice Assistance Grant
    
The Byrne Justice Assistance Grant is a federal award that provides funding for additional personnel to assist in the prevention of, response to or investigation of violent criminal acts. This is another source of funding to supplement the TPD Park/Walk/Talk program, and to fund additional personnel to investigate violent crime or additional enforcement efforts. 

Park/Walk/Talk Initiative

The Park/Walk/Talk Initiative, funded by various government grants, allows details to strengthen relationships and connect with residents on a more personal level in their respective zones. The initiative proactively develops relationships with residents so in the case of an emergency, there is a familiar face responding to the scene.   

Mental Health Officers

The City of Troy Community Services Bureau has established a group of officers that maintains relationships with local organizations specializing in mental health, homelessness, veterans in need, and similar groups. This department enables officers access to a variety of resources when responding to those in crisis and addressing the root cause of the issue. The Department has found that, when an arrest isn’t necessary, providing residents with the proper mental health resources can help curb habitual crime. 

The City of Troy’s very first Director of Diversity, Outreach and Opportunity Kevin Pryor is also hard at work to address crime before it starts: 

Troy High School Community Mentor Group

Take a proactive approach, Troy High and local leaders are fostering a caring environment that promotes leadership and personal growth by providing summer youth jobs and the opportunity for young people to organize and lead their own initiatives under mentorship. Mentors can establish a stronger connection with students by using board games such as dominoes, Connect Four, chess, and Trouble as an engaging medium for interaction and discourse. This creative approach promotes mentorship and idea sharing in addition to providing entertainment, making the neighborhood safer and more welcoming.

F.A.C.E Summer Basketball

At Geneva Pompey Park in Troy, New York, there is a summer basketball league called F.A.C.E. with a purpose that goes beyond just basketball. It is geared toward kids between the ages of 6 and 14 and happens twice a week. It emphasizes the value of cooperation and individual roles within a team. This program aims to teach life principles like tenacity, respect, and communication in addition to basketball abilities. Children learn collaboration and mutual support through play, reflecting the spirit of the community that gathers to assist them. F.A.C.E. develops future leaders by teaching them values that go beyond the basketball court and prepare them for life's bigger difficulties with every pass, shoot, and dribble.

Speak Out Anti Bullying Prevention Boxing Program

The goal of the Speak Out Anti Bullying Prevention Boxing Program is to raise awareness of bullying as a widespread problem and offer practical preventative techniques. The "introduction to oneself" component, which empowers adolescents to create and accomplish small, achievable goals, is the focal point of this curriculum. These objectives play a key role in fostering self-esteem, which is an essential buffer against the negative effects of bullying. Participants get the self-confidence to confront bullying by learning to embrace their personal growth and identity. Through the development of their mental and emotional resilience, this program not only gives students the physical abilities necessary to effectively combat bullying, but it also helps kids become more resilient mentally and emotionally.

Mayor Mantello, the administration, and Troy Police Department remain committed to creating a safer, cleaner Troy. If you see a police officer on the street, do not hesitate to say hello. The officers are here to support and protect the residents of Troy- they are a resource that is available to all. 

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