Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Condemns Killing of NYPD Officer Peter Figoski

For Immediate Release

December 13, 2011

New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) has released the following statement in response to the killing of veteran NYPD Officer Peter Figoski:

“My prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the four daughters, parents, brother, family and friends of NYPD Officer Peter Figoski who was shot in the face and killed in the line of duty in Brooklyn on Monday.

During the past few months, a lot of criticism has been directed toward the NYPD, sometimes with a complete disregard for the real dangers police officers take every day when they respond to calls. Tragically, NYPD Officer Figoski’s death reminds us of those dangers.

The career criminal who is accused of killing Police Officer Figoski has an outstanding felony warrant in North Carolina – and last month, Lamont Pride was arrested in Brooklyn for drug possession and was released on his own recognizance.

Released on his own recognizance?

Perhaps our attention should turn to the revolving door-policy that seems to exist in too many criminal court rooms.

It is my expectation that our Criminal Court judges will better scrutinize the dangers to the community and the flight risks that this type of defendant poses at the time of his or her arraignment.

And it is my fervent hope that at the end of a trial – when Lamont Pride and all of his accomplices are found guilty – that elected officials and community leaders of all ethnicities and creeds will join me to demand the maximum sentence allowed by law.”