SERINO JOINS COLLEAGUES TO UNVEIL “PROTECT THOSE WHO PROTECT US” BILL PACKAGE

ALBANY, NY – In recognition of National Police Week, Senator Sue Serino joined her Republican colleagues at a press conference in the Capitol to announce the “Protect Those Who Protect Us” package—a series of bills aimed at protecting law enforcement officers and improving public safety across New York State.

“As we look to rebuild our state in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to start by ensuring public safety across the board. That means reversing any policies that threaten to erode it, putting an end to the divisiveness, and bringing New Yorkers together to support those who work tirelessly to protect our communities. For too long now, Albany has put criminals ahead of law-abiding citizens, and the real human consequences of those dangerous policy changes cannot be ignored. It is time now for Albany to reset its priorities, hold criminals accountable and protect those who selflessly sign up to serve and protect all of us,” said Senator Sue Serino.

Key legislation in the “Protect Those Who Protect Us” package includes:

•  S6285 (Serino), which would establish May 15^th as Police Memorial Day in New York State. Requires the Governor to appear in person at the fitting ceremony at the Police Memorial Wall and to read, out loud, the names of the police officers who died during the previous year from injuries incurred in the line of duty.
• S2561 (Jordan), which would strengthen the penalties for assaulting a police officer.
• S3208 (Ortt), which would strengthen penalties for causing a police officer to come into contact with foreign substances or objects, such as bottles, flammable liquids, etc.
• S3463 (Gallivan), which would make it a crime to dox a police or peace officer simply because of their profession and with the intent to threaten or intimidate that police or peace officer.
• S6286 (Serino), which relates to unfounded and unsubstantiated complaints against first responders. This is necessary because of the repeal of Section 50-A, and would prohibit the disclosure of personnel records with regard to unsubstantiated or unfounded complaints made against first responders.
• S3465 (Gallivan), which would make it a crime to falsely accuse a police or peace officer of wrongdoing in the performance of their duties. This is necessary because of the repeal of Section 50-A, and would protect law enforcement against unfounded or unsubstantiated claims.

This legislative package comes as New York continues to feel the impact of the statewide changes made to bail policies in January of 2020. In 2020 alone, New York City saw its murder rate rise 47%, and has continued to see an increase throughout the first few months of 2021 according to a recent report in the New York Post.

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