Lockport, N.Y. (WBEN) - Republican lawmakers in New York continue to call for provisions to further ensure the safety of residents and families across the Empire State.
State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt was joined by a number of colleagues in state government on Friday in Lockport to call for the passage of the bipartisan PROTECT Act (Pretrial Risk Overview for Threat Evaluation Custody and Treatment) introduced by Sen. Pam Helming. The bill, developed with input from law enforcement and community faith leaders, provides judges with a tool to evaluate whether violent offenders should be held pretrial or released.
Ortt says for years, failed public safety policies have left New Yorkers less safe by removing judicial discretion and putting dangerous individuals back on the street. The PROTECT Act is a bipartisan solution that restores balance to the justice system, and helps keep communities safe.
"Albany Democrats would rather handcuff our judges instead of criminals and this has resulted in more dangerous individuals in the community instead of in jail," said Ortt during Friday's press conference at the Niagara County Sheriff's Office. "Just recently in Buffalo we saw a young mother murdered at the hands of someone who should have been behind bars, but thanks to out of touch policies that favor violent felons - this man was allowed to roam free. It’s time my colleagues in the capitol wake up to the realization their policies have failed and we must prioritize public safety. The PROTECT Act is the first step to restoring sanity to our communities."
The PROTECT Act creates a judicial risk-assessment tool to help judges determine whether individuals charged with violent crimes should be held pretrial. The bipartisan bill was written in consultation with sheriffs, district attorneys, and faith leaders to restore fairness and protect public safety.
Right now, the bill remains in the codes committee.
"Public safety is an issue that affects everyone, whether you’re 9 or 99. My legislation, the PROTECT Act, resulted from a collaborative and bipartisan effort of people who believe our state government must prioritize your safety, your family’s safety, and the safety of our communities," said Sen. Helming on Friday. "I’m determined to make the PROTECT Act the law in New York State and I invite everyone to join us."
Among the law enforcement leaders backing this legislation in Albany is Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti.
"Every day, law enforcement witnesses the dangers posed by violent offenders who are released without proper review. The PROTECT Act is the tool judges need to make informed decisions that protect the public," said Filicetti.