SCRANTON, PA. – In companion pieces of legislation to be introduced by Scranton City Council on Tues., June 30, 2026, Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti proposes ongoing investments into public safety efforts across the City. Upon approval by Council, the City will invest an additional $1.1 million into public safety capital projects with the goal of improving public safety and security in the City not only for today but into the future.”
“Our investment in a Real Time Crime Center in downtown Scranton will provide the brave men and women at SPD with even greater resources they need to help keep our community safe,” said Mayor Cognetti. “Investing in our police department has been a top priority for my administration, and it’s important we continue to support state-of-the-art technology and training for SPD as they put their lives on the line daily to keep our residents safe.”
“The development of a Real Time Crime Center will enhance SPD’s ability to keep Scranton safe by improving the agency’s readiness, and response, while improving officer safety,” said Scranton Police Chief Thomas Carroll. “We are grateful for Mayor Cognetti’s leadership and advocacy on behalf of SPD. These investments will ensure the police department has the best tools and technology to meet any public safety challenge that may impact the safety of our residents and our visitors.”
In the first piece of legislation, the City seeks to close three special city accounts totaling $190,990.84 and repurpose an additional special cities fund that has accumulated $175,546.80 in unallocated interest, totaling more than $366,000. These funds will be used for the purchase of additional surveillance cameras and upgrading SPD operations.
The second piece of legislation amends the City’s 2026 capital budget by increasing capital budget revenues and expenses by $1,089,066.67. In addition to the aforementioned special city funds, the City will reallocate Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) federal funds and other City funds to buy out the remaining lease payments for Scranton Fire Department’s Rescue 1 vehicle to save on interest payments and to purchase the property at 334-336 North Washington Avenue for the development of a Real Time Crime Center for the SPD and other City Hall operations that will improve ADA accessibility for residents.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020 and took her third Oath of Office in January 2026. Her administration is focused on public safety, driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
Scranton Continues Investments in Public Safety | Press Release
Last modified: June 26, 2026
