DEA President Paul DiGiacomo joined fellow law enforcement union leaders in Albany on February 4, 2020, to meet with elected officials. During meetings, lawmakers and members of the DEA Executive Board discussed the threats to public safety brought about by New York’s criminal justice reforms enacted as of January 1, 2020.
Said DiGiacomo, “Lawmakers got it wrong when they created these so-called ‘criminal justice reforms.’ When judges do not have discretion over bail, the safety of all New Yorkers and the police who protect them is jeopardized. The current 17% rise in crime in New York City for the first month of 2020 — which includes hundreds more robberies, assaults, and shootings — is likely even higher as victims fear coming forward because of the new evidence discovery laws that mandate their personal information be quickly turned over to criminals. Every single crime leaves behind a victim, a person left to recover who is attempting to feel safe again. This is who New York City Detectives care about as they tirelessly investigate these crimes. Detectives will continue faithfully to fulfill their duties, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult when the message from Albany, and many in the City Council, shows a clear lack of support for our police.”
