January 11, 2022
From Assemblywoman Byrnes: Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) joined Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, members of both Conferences, and members of the law enforcement community at a press conference in the state Capitol today to highlight the need for public safety measures and additional resources for police. The group is calling for legislation to better protect the citizens of New York from the rising scourge of crime that has been plaguing the state since Cuomo’s bail reforms were enacted.
“People don’t feel safe. Whether it’s a constituent who is concerned about getting carjacked or a small business owner having to make security investments, New Yorkers from Buffalo to Long Island don’t feel safe at work or at home. Sadly, the numbers back up these fears,” said Byrnes, who had a career in criminal justice before entering the state Assembly. “We are here today to tell people, we hear you and we are doing something about it. We are working with law enforcement to try to provide them with the tools they need, but leaders in Albany must listen too. Gov. Hochul and legislative leaders need to join us. There’s no time like the present to do so.”
State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) and the Senate and Assembly Republican conferences today unveiled a comprehensive package of public safety priorities aimed at protecting crime victims, law enforcement and correctional officers, and communities across the region and state from dangerous pro-criminal, anti-police actions being enacted in Albany.
From State Senator Tom O’Mara: O’Mara, a member on the Senate Codes and Judiciary committees, said, “Today, we again stand with law enforcement, speak out, and fight against the pro-criminal mentality and anti-police policies that keep going too far in New York State. The Democrat supermajorities in control of the State Legislature show no signs of letting up in their push for a so-called progressive agenda that only stands to embolden criminals and keep making this state, our communities, and our neighborhoods less safe. It has been alarming to district attorneys, law enforcement officers, and criminal justice experts alike. We need to enact legislation that puts crime victims, law enforcement, and safe communities first and begins restoring responsibility, sanity, and common sense to criminal justice and public safety in New York State.”
From Assemblyman Phil Palmesano: “Law enforcement officials across the state are sounding the alarm on our criminal justice reform measures. Violent offenders are being put back on our streets where they are often re-offending. Many citizens no longer feel safe in their communities; we must do better for our neighbors, crime victims and their families and the brave men and women of law enforcement who are on the front lines and make public safety an absolute priority for the people of New York State. Our Restore Order package is crucial to curbing this violence. This legislation would restore judicial discretion in regard to bail, stopping the revolving door of criminals being processed and released with no accountability. The legislation also requires a unanimous parole board vote when it comes to granting an inmate early release,” said Palmesano.
Republicans presented the following statistics at their press conference:
● In Albany, those killed by gun violence has increased 700 percent;
● In Rochester, those killed by gun violence has increased 174 percent;
● Shootings in NYC are up over 100 percent;
● Statewide, shooting incidents and victims are up at least 42 percent in each of the five major cities;
● Statewide in 2020, 21 percent of defendants arraigned on felony charges were rearrested for a new crime following pre-trial release; and
● Nearly 50% of all offenders in New York City who are out on bail are re-offending
