April 5, 2023
From Assemblyman Joe Giglio, (R, Allegany, Cattaraugus Counties): Even with the simplistic tweaks to the current bail laws proposed by the governor, nothing will change, and the safety of our communities will remain at risk unless judges are allowed to once again consider dangerousness. New York stands alone in ignoring this crucial factor – every other state and the federal government allows for the consideration of a suspect’s dangerousness in setting bail.
“Reforming our bail system is a key issue in budget negotiations this year and has been a controversial topic since the changes made in 2019. Those changes came with serious consequences and the release of some very violent individuals when judges were stripped of their power to determine threats to the community. We must make meaningful change for the safety of our citizens.
“New Yorkers are still very concerned about crime and public safety. Granting judges more discretion in determining dangerousness is a step in the right direction. Not every person arrested for a crime must be detained, but those most likely to harm others should be. It is our duty to protect innocent people from becoming additional victims of dangerous, violent offenders.”
