Standing with Local Law Enforcement, the Family of Connie Tuori, Members of NYS Legislature, Rep. Katko Announces Introduction of Bill Aimed at Bolstering Public Safety & Countering Anti-Police Sentiment - Congressman John Katko
SYRACUSE, NY— Standing at the Onondaga County District Attorney’s office alongside local law enforcement, the family of Connie Tuori, and members of the New York State Legislature, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) this morning announced the introduction of the Stop Enabling Repeat Violence and Endangering (SERVE) Our Communities Act.
Since taking effect in 2020, New York State’s bail reform laws have eliminated cash bail and expanded pre-trial release for a variety of misdemeanor and felony charges.
Further underscoring the need for federal leadership and legislation, Rep. Katko pointed to a horrific case earlier this year, in which Victoria Afet was accused of killing Connie Tuori, a 93 year old woman, world traveler, and retired teacher. Before the alleged murder, Afet was charged with third-degree robbery after biting and robbing another elderly woman. Given Afet’s extensive and violent criminal history, which included at least seven arrests in 2020 and two arrests in 2021, prosecutors asked the Syracuse City Court to hold Afet on bail pending trial, but were denied.
The SERVE Our Communities Act provides an incentive for states like New York to adopt policies that hold repeat offenders accountable and bolster public safety. Specifically, the bill would authorize $10 million in anti-recidivism grant funding from the Department of Justice for states that have laws directing courts to consider dangerousness when determining bail or pretrial release. To receive grant money, states with these laws may also take steps to hire and retain law enforcement or administer a public awareness campaign that combats anti-police sentiment and improves community-police relations.
Rep. Katko said, “Sadly, our community has grown too familiar with the consequences of Albany’s reckless bail reform laws and attacks on law enforcement. And, Washington Democrats want to bring these policies to the federal level.”
Katko continued, “Repeat offenders have been emboldened to freely terrorize our community. This horrifying trend has to end, and it is time to push back on dangerous trends at the state and federal level that threaten to jeopardize public safety. With the SERVE Our Communities Act, I’m aiming to provide a strong incentive for New York State to adopt sensible policies that support law enforcement and provide prosecutors with the necessary tools to keep violent criminals behind bars.”
“I fully support the “SERVE Our Communities Act,” said Onondaga County District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick. “As violent crime soars in communities across our nation, it is becoming clear that we need Federal leadership to counteract state and local legislation and policy which have dismantled our criminal justice system in the name of “reform.” New York State Prosecutors have always been on the forefront of criminal justice reform. However, any reform should be sensible and balance the rights of the accused with public safety. Government’s primary responsibility is to keep its citizens safe. Recent legislation and policy changes have shifted that balance away from public safety and has emboldened criminals. The rise in crime we are experiencing is a direct result of this. It is my hope that the “SERVE Our Communities Act” will help restore that balance and give those of us in law enforcement the tools to help make our citizens safe again and I thank Congressman Katko for leading the way.”
“Albany Democrats have again failed the residents of New York and failed to look out for their safety,” Rep. Stefanik said. “Their reckless and dangerous bail reform policies have already put our communities at risk. This legislation would incentivize the state of New York to implement policies that correct their massive oversight and hold repeat offenders accountable. I’m proud to stand united with local law enforcement and our community members to work to keep the North Country, and our state of New York, safe. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this legislation forward.”
After hearing directly from local law enforcement about their concerns with bail reform and rising anti-police sentiment, Rep. Katko committed to continuing his work to prioritize public safety, invest in law enforcement, and push back on dangerous laws that embolden violent criminals and repeat offenders.
Rep. Katko introduced the SERVE Act with U.S. Reps. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Lee Zeldin (NY-1), Andrew Garbarino (NY-2), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Claudia Tenney (NY-22), Tom Reed (NY-23), and Chris Jacobs (NY-27). The measure is endorsed by the National District Attorneys Association, Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations and Major Cities Chiefs Association.
source: https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/standing-local-law-enforcement-family-connie-tuori-members-nys
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