Ortt backs PROTECT Act which seeks more discretion for judges in setting bail

Photo courtesy of State Sen. Rob Ortt’s office: Rob Ortt speaks at a press conference on Friday at the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office.

Press Release, State Sen. Rob Ortt’s Office

LOCKPORT – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, Senator Pam Helming and Senator George Borrello, and several sheriffs from across New York on Friday joined together to call for the passage of the bipartisan PROTECT Act (Senate Bill S.2282A) introduced by Senator Helming of Canandaigua.

The bill, developed with input from law enforcement and community faith leaders, provides judges with a tool to evaluate whether violent offenders should be held pretrial or released.

For years, Democrats’ failed public safety policies have left New Yorkers less safe by removing judicial discretion and putting dangerous individuals back on the street, Ortt said. The PROTECT Act is a bipartisan solution that restores balance to the justice system and helps keep communities safe.

“Albany Democrats would rather handcuff our judges instead of criminals and this has resulted in more dangerous individuals in the community instead of in jail,” said Ortt, leader of the Republican conference in the State Senate. “Just recently in Buffalo we saw a young mother murdered at the hands of someone who should have been behind bars, but thanks to out of touch policies that favor violent felons – this man was allowed to roam free. The PROTECT Act is the first step to restoring sanity to our communities.”

The PROTECT Act (Pretrial Risk Overview for Threat Evaluation Custody and Treatment) creates a judicial risk-assessment tool to help judges determine whether individuals charged with violent crimes should be held pretrial.

The bipartisan bill was written in consultation with sheriffs, district attorneys, and faith leaders to restore fairness and protect public safety. The bill remains in the codes committee.

“Public safety is an issue that affects everyone, whether you’re 9 or 99,” Helming said. “My legislation, The PROTECT Act resulted from a collaborative and bipartisan effort of people who believe our state government must prioritize your safety, your family’s safety, and the safety of our communities. I’m determined to make the PROTECT Act the law in New York State and I invite everyone to join us.”

“The men and women in uniform risk their lives to protect the public,” said Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke. “The current system is failing them and failing victims. The PROTECT Act is a practical step toward fixing that failure and ensuring justice works for everyone.”