Senator Golden Opposes Governor’s Prisoner Release Proposal

Brooklyn -- State Senator Martin Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), a former New York City Police Officer, noting that there is a 42% recidivism rate among parolees, is strongly opposing Governor David Paterson’s proposal that would result in the early release of as many as 800 inmates.

Senator Golden stated, “Governor Paterson’s efforts to make all but murderers eligible for an early release is a definite step backwards in our efforts to keep our streets safe. Going back to the liberal thought that we can put felons back on the streets and they will be good citizens is just wrong. The last thing that New York State should be doing is devising new ways to release criminals early, especially now during these tough fiscal times, when public safety budgets are being strained and crime appears to be on the rise.”

Golden is urging Paterson to withdraw this early release proposal in the face of strong opposition from Republican lawmakers and for the good of the safety of all New Yorkers.