Griffo proposes legislation that would make New York safer, provide additional resources to law enforcement agencies

At a news conference today, New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome, announced that he will be advocating for and introducing legislation that will provide additional resources to law enforcement agencies and enhance public safety in New York. 

Sen. Griffo was joined for today’s announcement by Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol; Oneida County Undersheriff Joseph Lisi; Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara; Ed Stevens with the Oneida County Law Enforcement Coalition; Dominick Pedulla with the New York State Trooper PBA; Rome Police Chief David Collins; Rome Deputy Police Chief Cheyenne Schoff; Utica Police Chief Mark Williams; Utica Police Sgt. Michael Curley; Sherrill Police Chief Rob Drake; New York Mills Police Chief Robert Frankland; Daniel Buley with the Oriskany Police Department; Yorkville Police Chief Frank Allen; New Hartford Police Chief Michael Inserra; and Whitestown Police Chief Mark Sojda. 

While major crimes have reportedly been increasing in New York City, a similar trend also is happening in upstate communities. For instance, Syracuse, Albany, Rochester and Buffalo saw big spikes (a 54 percent increase) in murders in 2020 when compared to 2019, according to media reports.  

Locally, both the Utica and Rome police departments are investigating homicides that took place earlier this week. 

Sen. Griffo is proposing: 

• A $100 million ($80 million for additional police officers and $20 million for equipment) allocation to law enforcement agencies each year for the next three years. 

• A complete repeal of the state’s bail changes made by the legislative majorities. Changes included in the 2019 State Budget, which Sen. Griffo did not support, included ending cash bail for everything shy of the most severe violent felonies. As a result, dangerous individuals and criminals have been released back into their communities. 

• Changing discovery laws to include affirmative consent of witnesses. The changes made previously by the majorities have resulted in a number of issues including the possibility that the identity of witnesses could be exposed and that defendants could have access to crime scenes. 

• Instituting severe consequences for murdering a police officer – either mandatory life without parole or capital punishment. 

Sen. Griffo said, “The hastily enacted changes to the state’s bail and discovery laws, along with other modifications to the criminal justice system put in place by the legislative majorities controlling state government, have jeopardized the safety of New York's communities. As a result, we are seeing crime rise throughout the state and repeat offenders released back onto the streets because there are no serious repercussions for their nefarious actions. I recognize that criminal justice reform is needed, but it is clear, as I have pointed out since the beginning, that what we have now is not working. The ideas, initiatives and approaches that I have proposed will enhance and strengthen public safety throughout the state.” 

Oneida County Sheriff Maciol said, “Day after day, I continue to see dangerous people who have been charged with serious offenses be released or being issued appearance tickets only to re-offend and to be charged again. I continue to see victims being re-victimized again and again. All of us agree that the criminal justice system needed reform, but NY’s bail reform took it too far and it has failed us miserably.  I applaud Senator Griffo for his tireless work in making our communities safer and for his continuous support of law enforcement.” 

Rome Police Chief Collins said, “It is important that law enforcement agencies have the resources and support that they need to do their job effectively and keep our communities safe. I thank Sen. Griffo for his efforts to enhance public safety and protect New Yorkers and his advocacy for the men and women in law enforcement throughout the state.”  

 Utica Police Chief Williams said, “The Utica Police Department is proud to join with Sen. Griffo and our Oneida County Law Enforcement partners for today’s announcement. Sen. Griffo has always been a strong proponent of law enforcement and we are lucky to have him representing us locally. The legislation he is proposing will provide much needed assistance in our daily fight to make our neighborhoods safer. The reforms enacted in the last several years have resulted in more criminals committing repeated crimes against our citizens. Additional officers and a roll back of these reforms will protect the victims and provide us with the tools to partner with the community to continue to make Utica one of the best places to live in New York State. We thank Sen. Griffo for standing with law enforcement yesterday and today and provide our unwavering support for this legislation.” 

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