Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. sent a letter to Albany leadership urging them to pass necessary criminal justice reforms in this legislative session.
In a letter to leaders in the State Capitol, including Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie and State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Borough President Diaz lays out his support for a variety of reforms to the criminal justice system. This includes the elimination of cash bail in New York State, as well as discovery reforms and speedy trial reforms
“Simply put, common-sense criminal justice reform protects all of our residents and communities,” wrote Borough President Diaz. “With criminal justice reforms, we will ensure that our community members benefit from a fair system where residents are more likely to engage positively and productively with law enforcement when their cooperation is in the interest of justice.”
Borough President Diaz noted that ending cash bail was of critical importance, given the urgent need to close Rikers Island and the ongoing debate regarding the siting of a new jail in Bronx.
“By eliminating cash bail for most crimes, we can remove individuals from detention within our jails and enact a long overdue measure of justice while also decreasing the jail population by a significant amount,” said Borough President Diaz.
The full letter can be read here.
