By Ashley Hassett
Niagara Falls, NY – Niagara Falls Police are also beefing up their fight against violent crimes. Falls officials announced Tuesday that they are stepping up Operation Impact, a state crime-fighting program launched in 2003.
The acting commissioner of the State Division of Criminal Justice Services was in Niagara Falls to announce the stepped up crime fighting efforts. Commissioner Sean Byrne said they are also urging the community to be a voice against crime.
"There's a saying in the homeland security field that if you see something say something. Well when it comes to crimes on out street were asking all the residents of Niagara county that if you see something say something. If you do take that stand we'll stand up with you and for you," said Byrne.
Changes to Operation Impact in the City of Niagara Falls will include requiring DNA samples for those who are charged with a misdemeanor.
"Collecting DNA from everyone who convicted of a penile law crime will solve crimes including some crimes where the evidence went cold decades ago, it will prevent future crimes and it will exonerate innocent individuals," said Byrne.
Byrne noted that more than 50% of those charged in a misdemeanor crime end up committing a larger crime.
Operation Impact will also include training for Niagara Falls officers to deal with domestic violence.