Law enforcement members from six counties joined others around New York state to request changes in new state criminal laws as of Jan. 1.
Oneida County Sheriff Rob Maciol organized a gathering of about 50 officers, sheriffs and district attorneys, including Oneida County DA Scott McNamara of Deansboro, at the Sheriff’s Department in Oriskany. Representatives from Oneida, Herkimer, Lewis, Hamilton, Madison and St. Lawrence counties attended.
The event took place as one of 10 similar press conference around the state at the same time. “We want to present a unified message to the governor and legislature,’’ Maciol said.
Their message is that Albany lawmakers need to stop or alter the new laws, which they said will put citizens in harm’s way and make their jobs much more difficult in protecting people.
Mainly what the new laws do is eliminate bail for a variety of crimes that are deemed non-violent. Judges will not be able to set bail on anyone they feel is a danger or a flight risk. This applies even to those charged who have a criminal record.
The new law also allows the accused to visit a crime scene, including going back to homes where the incident happened. “It’s bad enough you don’t feel safe in your own home…