SENATOR GOLDEN AND ASSEMBLYWOMAN MALLIOTAKIS PUSH FOR PASSAGE OF “OFFICER RANDOLPH HOLDER LAW"

New York – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) and Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-C-I, Staten Island-Brooklyn) will be holding a press conference regarding Officer Randolph Holder's Law (S27/A3404), which they have sponsored in the Senate and Assembly, that will make necessary reforms to judicial diversion programs to ensure and enhance public safety on Monday, February 6^th, 2017 starting at 11:15 AM in the Senate Majority Conference Room in Albany.

On October 20, 2015, NYPD Officer Randolph Holder was on patrol in East Harlem. Responding to a report of gun shots in the area, he was senselessly murdered. The person who senselessly committed this crime has five previous drug convictions, was wanted by the police in connection with a September 1, 2015 shooting, and had a warrant open for failing to participate in court ordered treatment.

Court records show that despite a lengthy criminal history, the shooter was approved by the Court for a drug treatment program over the objections of the prosecutor, who argued in favor of incarceration given the history of violence this criminal had displayed. This bill would narrow the eligibility requirements for those entering judicial diversion, prohibiting those who have more than two prior felony convictions. It would require the court to consider and make a finding of fact on the record, regarding the risk a defendant might pose to public safety. Additionally, it would require the consent of the district attorney before a defendant is granted entry into a diversion program.

Representatives from law enforcement will also be among the participants. Members of the media are encouraged and welcome to attend.