Griffo Proposes Additional Support For Police, Will Ride-Along With Cops To See Crime Firsthand

A Central New York Senator is preparing to get a firsthand look at crime and other issues facing local law enforcement.

Senator Joe Griffo is planning ride-alongs will multiple area police agencies, starting with State Police in Herkimer. The Rome Republican is also scheduling ride-alongs with Utica Police, Rome Police, and the Madison County Sheriff's Office.

Additionally, Griffo has written Governor Kathy Hochul pitching a plan to invest $300-million to bolster public safety across the state. The money would be allocated over three-years, at $100-million each year. From there is would breakdown to an 80/20 split, with the larger portion paying the salaries of added police officers and the rest going toward equipment.

“Like so many others, I remain concerned with the increase in crime in New York State. It is imperative that we seek out ways to enhance public safety for New Yorkers,” Griffo said in a statement. “It is my belief that this three-year commitment will have a limited financial impact on the state and will ensure that law enforcement agencies have the resources that they need to address public safety concerns.” 

New York's Bail Reform legislation and the impact on public safety have been a huge focus for state Republicans since the law was enacted. Crime has been repeatedly named priority for New Yorkers of all political backgrounds, according to numerous surveys.

The calls for adjustment to the law grew so loud last election that Democrat Attorney General Letitia James suggested a re-examination of the reforms during her re-election campaign. And, Governor Hochul acknowledged a 'national crime' and 'room for improvement' in Bail Reform Laws during her recent State of the State Address this month:

First, the size of someone’s bank account should not determine whether they sit in jail, or return home, before they have even been convicted of a crime.

That was the goal of bail reform. It was a righteous one, and I stand by it. Second, bail reform is not the primary driver of a national crime wave created by a convergence of factors, including the pandemic. And third, that the bail reform law as written now leaves room for improvement.

As leaders, we cannot ignore that, when we hear so often from New Yorkers that crime is their top concern. And so, to my partners in the legislature, let’s start with this shared understanding and have a thoughtful conversation during the budget process about improvements we can make to the law.

You can read the entire transcript from Hochul's 2023 State of the State here.