Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, Senator Pam Helming, Senator George Borrello, and sheriffs from across New York joined together on September 12 to call for the passage of the bipartisan PROTECT Act (Senate Bill S.2282A) introduced by Senator Helming. The bill, developed with input from law enforcement and community faith leaders, provides judges with a tool to evaluate whether violent offenders should be held pretrial or released.
The lawmakers say that years of failed public safety policies have left New Yorkers less safe by removing judicial discretion and putting dangerous individuals back on the street. The PROTECT Act is a bipartisan solution that restores balance to the justice system and helps keep communities safe.
“Albany Democrats would rather handcuff our judges instead of criminals and this has resulted in more dangerous individuals in the community instead of in jail. Just recently in Buffalo we saw a young mother murdered at the hands of someone who should have been behind bars, but thanks to out of touch policies that favor violent felons – this man was allowed to roam free. It’s time my colleagues in the capitol wake up to the realization their policies have failed and we must prioritize public safety – the PROTECT Act is the first step to restoring sanity to our communities,” said Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt.
“Public safety is an issue that affects everyone, whether you’re 9 or 99. My legislation, The PROTECT Act resulted from a collaborative and bipartisan effort of people who believe our state government must prioritize your safety, your family’s safety, and the safety of our communities. I’m determined to make the PROTECT Act the law in New York State and I invite everyone to join us,” said Senator Pam Helming.
“The PROTECT Act empowers Judges to keep dangerous individuals off the streets while they await trial, or to use their discretion to allow those who do not pose a threat to return home,” said Assemblyman Angelo Morinello. “This Act is designed to safeguard everyday New Yorkers by equipping Judges with the necessary apparatuses to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Judges must have the authority to take power and control away from abusers, ensuring they cannot continue to harm or intimidate their victims. As legislators, it is our duty to create laws that keep us safe, and laws that protect and support our communities.”
Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter said, “The PROTECT Act would establish a dangerousness standard, similar to what exists in every other state and at the federal level; a clear and consistent law that protects both victims and the accused.”
“The men and women in uniform risk their lives to protect the public. The current system is failing them and failing victims. The PROTECT Act is a practical step toward fixing that failure and ensuring justice works for everyone,” said Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke.
The PROTECT Act (pretrial risk overview for threat evaluation custody and treatment) creates a judicial risk-assessment tool to help judges determine whether individuals charged with violent crimes should be held pretrial. The bipartisan bill was written in consultation with sheriffs, district attorneys, and faith leaders to restore fairness and protect public safety. The bill remains in the codes committee.
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