Criminal Justice Reform Topic Of Public Forum
By Doug La Rocque
Come January 1, some sweeping changes to prosecutions, bail and incarceration will take effect, and it is not sitting well with Rensselaer County officials, and indeed many of their counterparts across the state. These reforms were made part of the New York State budget process, just prior to its adoption. Some of the provisions, including the elimination of bail for many offenses, and a significant reduction in the amount of time prosecutors have to turn over information to a defendant’s legal counsel, including in some cases information on the victims, is coming under criticism from both sides of the political aisle. This so called discovery process is being reduced to 15 days.
The first of three public forums was held Monday, December 9 at the Rensselaer County Legislative Chambers in Troy. One of those in opposition to some of the provisions of the reform is Democratic District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, who said “The laws were passed without input from prosecutors and law enforcement. There will be unintended consequences as we attempt to meet the mandate with no state funding. I am concerned about public safety and I want the public to understand what we are facing. She also said “the reforms as drafted are not practical. In attempting to level the playing field, we are playing roulette with public safety. There has to be a better solution!”
To this, Rensselaer County Sheriff Pat Russo adds “These forums will be an attempt to make the public aware of how the criminal justice reforms will affect law enforcement operations and public safety.
In my opinion, the new bail laws will have an adverse effect on public safety, putting law abiding citizens at an unnecessary risk of becoming victims.” Sheriff Russo also said “These reforms will mark a significant change in how the law is enforced and how those charged with a crime are dealt with in the system. Residents would be well-advised to learn more about these reforms and the potential effects on our County.”
Rensselaer County Legislator Bruce Patire, who represents the five towns in the eastern portion of the county, is even more outspoken in his opposition, telling The Eastwick Press, “the criminal justice reforms were snuck in during the adoption of the New York State Budget. The reforms stripped judges of their ability to keep those charged with terrible crimes behind bars. The County Legislature will be passing a resolution urging state leaders to amend and/or delay the implementation of these laws before the end of the year. We are very concerned about the safety of our residents if our judges and District Attorney cannot keep career criminals behind bars after an arrest.” State Senator Daphne Jordan’s feelings on the Criminal Reform package are just as strong. She says, “these reforms are a clear and present danger to public safety and represent the State Senate Democrats “no-criminal-left-behind” policies. These disastrous criminal justice measures will result in New York State being less safe, victims’ contact information being shared, increased costs for local governments, and dangerous criminals roaming free.
County Legislative Minority Leader Peter Grimm is also opposed to the reforms as they currently stand, expressing the same concerns as his fellow county officials. He also tells The Eastwick Press he is not hopeful of any quick reversal or modification of these reforms, and says while the forum (the first of three) is a great idea to hear from and educate the public as to the ramifications, he also hopes all will do more than just whine and complain. “Putting together a comprehensive plan and suggesting solutions, is probably the better way to go.”
He also praised District Attorney Donnelly and Sheriff Russo for their preparations to put the reforms in place.
It should be noted that not all are opposed to the reforms. A group called the Citizen Action of New York sponsored a rally outside the Rensselaer County Courthouse on Tuesday, December 10, also proclaimed Human Rights Day. Their statement says “community organizations, faith leaders, elected officials, and directly impacted Capital District residents rallied at the Rensselaer County Courthouse to welcome the end of a pretrial system that has devastated families and communities.”