CLARENCE, N.Y. — Law enforcement officials across New York are asking lawmakers in Albany to address criminal justice laws before they take effect on January 1.
The reforms will eliminate cash bail and pretrial detention for most offenses.
Among the state organizations pushing for changes are the District Attorneys Association, the Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Sheriffs' Association.
"Bail and discovery reform will change the criminal justice system in New York State, but not for the good of the law abiding citizens of the State and Niagara County," said Niagara County Sheriff James Voutour, who is also the chairman of the executive committee of the New York State Sheriffs' Association, through a statement on Wednesday.
"The handcuffs are being removed from the criminals and placed on the hands of the hard working deputy sheriffs, police officers, prosecutors, and other members of law enforcement working to protect our citizens. The Legislature and the Governor need to delay the implementation of these changes to ensure that all New Yorkers receive the protection they deserve."
Critics of the criminal justice law changes say the bills were passed with little input from the law enforcement community.
They've also shared concerns that a cashless bail system would prevent judges from considering whether a defendant is a threat to the community.
