POLICE SAFETY

The recent killings of two on-duty New York City police officers have reignited, in many places, long-simmering conflicts between law enforcement and the communities they are sworn to protect and serve.

It's a highly dangerous time for all of us.

Governor Cuomo and other top state officials have signaled their intention to make criminal justice reform a top priority in 2015. In light of these stated intentions -- and in response to them -- the Senate Republican Conference wants to ensure that a key centerpiece of any upcoming debate is not overlooked: police safety.

Consequently, we've recently announced a set of public hearings, in Albany and in New York City, to add what we firmly believe is an important balance to this upcoming discussion by focusing on police safety and public protection.

As our region has confronted and tried to combat the twin crises of meth and heroin, I hope the overriding importance of diligent and strong law enforcement has become eminently clear. Every single day that an officer puts on his or her uniform and heads out the door to work, they risk having to confront a violent criminal. 

Respect for this service cannot be undermined.

It's been an increasingly common fact of life for our officers in recent years, with far too many tragic and fatal consequences, and it's a risk, in many of our cities and other places, on the verge of becoming even more dangerous under the current climate of unrest and violence.

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