Across the country and even the CNY region, there's been protests calling to defund police departments. But the city of Binghamton has announced two new grants that would invest almost $500,000 into its department.

"I wasn't elected by people from across the country. I was elected by the residents of the city of Binghamton," said Mayor Rich David, Monday.

Mayor David announced two grants to expand and sustain community policing in Binghamton. With three terms under his belt, Mayor David says public safety is what residents want.

"Without question, one of the top or if not the number one comment I hear from residents is a concern about public safety or public safety beginning to encroach on their neighborhood," said David.

Two new police officers would be hired thanks to $250,000 worth of funding from the federal COPS grant. And two more current officers will stay secure thanks to state funding. The grants focus on preventing violent crime.

"Gun violence is a problem throughout the state and the country as you can see. A huge uptick in New York City, three or four hundred percent increase in the last twenty eight days," said Police Chief Joseph Zikuski.

The two new positions would create more margin for officers to create better relationships with the community.

"If we have more man power that frees up two more bodies that we may be able to put on a bicycle, we may be able to put in on a foot patrol or other community events. We never turn down an invitation to a neighborhood meeting," said Zikuski.

Mayor David hopes the grants get approved with ease. But he does speculate it will be debated amongst city council members.

"I believe the overwhelming majority does support the police department, does understand what it takes to protect a community and will in fact support these grants," said the mayor.

The grants will likely be voted on during next Wednesday's business session.