ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York officials are making $1 million available to help police agencies expand the use of video equipment for recording interrogations of suspects.

State criminal justice officials say 345 agencies in 58 of New York's 62 counties currently videotape at least some interrogations, which are considered more effective in both documenting confessions and preventing wrongful convictions than relying on officer accounts of questioning.

Prosecutors say they also help prevent false accusations of police coercion.

The funds will expand the practice to agencies in Hamilton, Seneca, Schoharie and Tioga counties.

The grants from the state Division of Criminal Justice Services are for buying and installation of video recording equipment for police departments and sheriffs' offices. The money can also be spent to upgrade older equipment to make sure it works properly.

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