Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and County Sheriff Todd Baxter announced the county legislature's approval for a $7.3 million investment into the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.

Originally announced last month, the funding will be used to bring in 41 new staff members to enhance the sheriff’s road patrol in towns and villages and to establish a regional investigative operations center.

“Modern challenges like smash and grabs, catalytic converter and car thefts, and drug and gun violence are requiring us to be more innovative in our approach to addressing these crimes, keeping residents safe and holding people accountable,” Bello said in a statement. “This historic investment will reshape the way the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will operate for years to come by giving our law enforcement officers the tools they need and the ability to adjust to the challenges they face. I’m grateful to Sheriff Baxter for his partnership developing this plan and to the County Legislature for their overwhelming support of the proposal.”

“Government working collaboratively to solve problems is exactly what our community deserves,” Baxter said in a statement. “I thank County Executive Bello and the County Legislature for their recognition of this, asking questions and allowing us to share input while developing this plan to improve public safety. This funding will allow our deputies to provide the level of service our community expects.”

Officials say 30 new road patrol deputies and three lieutenants will be added, and the MCSO will create new positions in each of its three coverage zones (A, B and C).

“When I talk to neighbors, they tell me that they are most concerned with one thing – they want to feel safe," Legislator Dave Long said in a statement. "They want to live, work, and play in our community without having to wonder if they or their family might be next. I am proud to support this investment in public safety."

Funding will also be used for enhanced MCSO coverage at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, an additional juvenile investigator and a county-wide crime coordinator.