Griffo convenes law enforcement officials to discuss ways to address crime and gun violence in local communities

New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome, convened a meeting today with state and local law enforcement representatives and area officials to discuss methods, techniques and resources to address crime concerns and gun violence in communities across the state.

Those attending the forum included New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven Nigrelli; Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-C-Marcy; Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr.; Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol; Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo; City of Rome Police Chief David Collins; City of Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri; Utica Police Chief Mark Williams; Joseph J. Popcun, executive deputy commissioner of the state Department of Criminal Justice Services; Dan O’Hara, director of the Office of Emergency Management with the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services; and other law enforcement representatives.

Suggestions to address crime and gun violence included:

• Reviewing and revising state policies that have not been effective, including problematic changes to the state’s bail law and Raise the Age. 
• Making structural changes to address recruitment and retention problems law enforcement agencies are facing across the state, including modifying the state’s entry-level law enforcement civil service exam to get more officers on the street.
• Continuing to work collaboratively with partners at all levels of government to coordinate the addressing of crime concerns and issues related to guns, as well as ensuring that communities have access to any additional resources that may be available.

Sen. Griffo said, “I was pleased to convene state and local law enforcement and other officials to discuss ways that we can address concerning crime and gun violence affecting many communities in the state, including those in my Senate District. We must do all that we can to curb the violence and ensure that New Yorkers are safe. I will continue to actively work with my partners at all levels of government to find proactive, sensible and comprehensive solutions that will reduce crime and gun violence in our communities and enhance public safety.”

Assemblywoman Buttenschon said, “Addressing the issues faced by law enforcement is multi-faceted as they work with limited resources both in terms of manpower, enforcing laws and financial support. The conversations are the same throughout all regions of New York. Sen. Griffo and I are pledging our support and cooperation with Oneida County, our cities and especially our law enforcement agencies to find workable solutions to the issues of gun violence, juvenile crime and keeping our communities safe by re-examining existing policies and their effectiveness as well as considering new ways to support the law enforcement community.”