A New York Republican, Rep. Mike Lawler, has called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to scrap criminal justice policies that he believes are leading to cop killings and putting citizens at risk. Lawler urged the governor to repeal the state’s cashless bail policies, reintroduce the “dangerousness” standard for setting bail, and fire all members of the parole board who have released cop killers. He also proposed a new law that would mandate lifetime prison sentences without parole for first and second-degree murderers convicted of killing police officers, peace officers, first responders, and correctional officers.
During a confrontation outside the wake of slain NYPD officer Jonathan Diller, a mourning uncle accused Gov. Hochul of having blood on her hands due to the state’s bail laws. Hochul reportedly had a short, respectful conversation with the family but left shortly after the encounter. At Jonathan Diller’s funeral, his wife, Stephanie Diller, made a passionate plea to state lawmakers to start protecting police officers and their families, asking how many more sacrifices need to be made before action is taken.
Hochul has criticized her fellow Albany Democrats for the state’s cash bail laws, calling the limits on bail “absurd” and putting dangerous criminal defendants back on the streets. While she has been trying to make changes to the bail laws, Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has expressed reluctance to increase penalties as part of the state’s budget negotiations, stating that it would not act as a deterrent to crime.
Despite efforts to amend the state’s bail laws, New York remains the only state in the US where judges are prohibited from considering the dangerousness of criminal defendants when setting bail. The lack of consideration for dangerousness has led to an increase in attacks on police officers, with a record number of injuries reported in 2023. Additionally, felony assaults on trains and at stations have reached a nearly three-decade high, highlighting the impact of the state’s criminal justice policies on public safety.
Lawler’s letter to Gov. Hochul also highlighted the release of 38 convicts convicted of murdering police officers since 2017, including cases where officers were killed in Queens in 1992. He emphasized the need for better support for law enforcement officers who are facing morale and retention issues, citing statistics that show 200 cops are leaving the NYPD every month. Lawler stressed the importance of providing the necessary support for law enforcement to ensure public safety and address the growing concerns over crime and lack of security in communities.
Hochul’s office did not immediately respond to Lawler’s letter or the calls for changes to the state’s criminal justice policies. While efforts have been made to address some of the concerns raised, there is ongoing debate among lawmakers about the effectiveness of increasing penalties and addressing bail reform as a way to combat crime and protect law enforcement officers and the public. The issue remains a contentious topic in New York, with calls for action to address the rise in attacks on police officers and concerns over public safety.
