New York 'Less is More Act' receives pushback from Rochester law enforcement - 13WHAM-TV
New York State's newest justice reform is getting praise from advocates but pushback from Town of Gates Police Chief James VanBrederode.
The "Less is More Act" signed by Governor Kathy Hochul Friday prevents recently paroled prisoners from being incarcerated on a technical violation, like missing a curfew.
The goal of the new act is to decrease the number of people in jail for minor parole violations and prevent overcrowding in prisons.
Chief VanBrederode states that a parolee, David Alligood, shot up a bar in Gates killing one and injuring seven others in 2015.
"Here's a guy that was on parole, he had a nine o'clock curfew, and he violated every one of those little, you know, rules, you know that that weren't criminal, but what does it lead to right well that's one murder. So now, he's back in prison for another 25-30 years, and we're paying for that. And, you know, it's all because no supervision," said VanBrederode.
He says he is concerned more events like this could happen under the new act.
"If you just set somebody out of jail, and you don't provide them with the necessary supervision and resources you're setting them up for failure," said VanBrederode.
Despite pushback, Gov. Hochul and other supporters say the law is a necessary reform.
"I know the naysayers are going to say look you're you're letting more people out. But again we should be a society that looks about rehabilitating people and reintegrating people and not reincarcerating people for mistakes, oversights or addictions," said Assembly member Carl Heastie.
VanBrederode sees it as a threat to community safety.
The law goes into effect in March 2022.
source: https://13wham.com/news/local/new-york-less-is-more-act-receives-pushback-from-rochester-law-enforcement
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