“While the New York State Sheriffs’ Association of course welcomes the decline in reported shootings and applauds the Governor’s financial support for GIVE and other violence reduction programs, our members urge adoption of an additional, no-cost change which would lead to an even further decline in gun violence: give judges greater discretion to remand dangerous individuals charged with serious offenses.

The line of duty murder of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller last March was a tragic illustration of how radical bail legislation enacted in Albany jeopardizes the lives of police officers and the public at large.

The reported decline in gun violence would not have happened had it not been for the often-unappreciated efforts of brave police officers working day and night to protect our communities.”

Note — Sheriff DuMond is the elected Sheriff of Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and serves as President of the Sheriffs’ Association. His statement is in reaction to new statewide data issued by Governor Kathy Hochul’s office earlier this week.