Statement:
The members New York State Association of Chiefs of Police are encouraged to learn that Governor Hochul intends to include amendments to bail and discovery reform legislation in her 2022 budget proposal. We are hopeful that the discussion will continue to sculpt the legislation and ensure that the safety of all New Yorkers is made a priority. We stand ready to lend our experience and expertise to the process and create law that is fair to all our residents.
As we previously stated, criminal justice reform was necessary to address the historic inequalities in the criminal justice system. However, in attempting to correct these real inequities, New York’s reforms tipped the balance so far in favor of the accused that public safety has been jeopardized. Victims have been forgotten in the process. We believe that it is possible to create a system in which the rights of the accused are respected while the rights of victims and the public are also respected. Public safety must be a priority. We look forward to working with Governor Hochul and the legislature to identify the proper path forward