ALBANY, N.Y. (WKBW) — Law enforcement officials and prosecutors are intensifying a debate over the implementation of sweeping changes to New York’s criminal justice system.
They voiced concerns on Thursday over changes that are set to take effect at the beginning of 2020. That includes an overhaul of the state’s bail law. It removes pre-trial detention and money bail for the wide majority of misdemeanor and non-violent felony cases.
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple says the changes will jeopardize public safety. He made the comments at a press conference in Albany while joined by prosecutors and other law enforcement officials.
Supporters of the changes say it will prevent poor people from languishing in jail for low-level crimes while their cases work through the system.
Community bail funds described money bail as needless and cruel.
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