Police have been making arrests only to watch the accused go free with a ticket to commit more crimes. District Attorneys are also under a great deal of pressure to produce discovery under tight deadlines. Madison County Chief Assistant District Attorney Bob Mascari says Bail Reform and Discovery laws are now turning the good guys away.
"Severe, and I do mean severe retention, recruitment, and morale problem that bail reform and discovery are causing in law enforcement and district attorney offices. We used to be coveted jobs. We can’t find somebody to take an opening we have now."
Sheriff’s across the State have gone to Albany to voice their concerns, but Assemblyman John Salka, (R) 121st District talked bout how bail reform opponents are being shut down.
"With so much outrage, I wonder why we have not been allowed to debate this issue once in the past 5 weeks since this year’s legislative session began."
It’s been just over a month since the bail reform laws took effect, and there’s been plenty of outcry from Upstate New York, but is it having any effect on the Downstate majority?
"If the majority is so sure that bail reform is beneficial to communities, then let these changes live and die by the merit of the arguments made in public, with debate on the floor of the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate."
Republicans are calling for bail repeal, but with Democrats controlling the house, it’s not likely. So what is a realistic idea of when bail reform amendments may be heard? Senator James Seward, (R) 51st District weighs in on the the deadline he expects to see.
"As a practical matter, I would look toward when we do a budget. Hopefully by March 31st. That’s another almost 2 months, and I’d hate to see this on the books, but as a practical matter that may be a pressure point to see something done."