SENATOR GOLDEN, FORMER NYPD OFFICER, OPPOSES CITY EFFORTS TO REVAMP BAIL SYSTEM

Brooklyn - According to recent reports, Mayor de Blasio is considering whether or not releasing thousands of criminals without bail back onto neighborhood streets is a good idea. The Mayor, in conjunction with an advisory group, will begin experiments to find ways other than bail payments to encourage defendants to return to court to stand trial. If the proposal is adopted,  thousands of defendants would be set free and placed under “supervised release” instead of staying in prison pending trial. Additionally, the New York City Council, under the leadership of Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito also wants to alter the system even more by forcing taxpayers to contribute to a city-wide bail fund, totaling $1.4 million, to be used to pay for the release of defendants who cannot post bail. 

“The efforts underway by Mayor Bill de Blasio and the New York City Council to revamp the bail system greatly concerns me,” stated Senator Martin Golden. “Undoubtedly, I join with many fellow New Yorkers in opposing the utilization of tax payer money to post bail so to release prisoners from custody. Law abiding citizens should not be taxed in order to set free dangerous individuals back to the streets. Additionally, judges should be allowed to use their judgment and discretion when setting bail. There should not be any restrictions put in place that will hinder a judge’s authority which will ultimately set individuals free and endanger the public. When used correctly, the bail system is an effective way to ensure those arrested return to face trial and a tool for judges to keep dangerous individuals from returning to the streets or fleeing prosecution. Any attempts to weaken or end the practice of bail will impede the judicial process in New York City."

Similar “No-Bail” pilot programs have been implemented in Queens and Manhattan with little to no success. Police officials have expressed concerned about eliminating the bail system and warn it could lead to an increase in criminal activity