A new proposal would allow police officers to detain parolees who are violating the terms of their release and turn them over to parole officers, according to new reports.
Supporters say it would clarify law enforcement roles and make it easier to deal with parolees across the state.
The proposal creates 66,000 additional parole officers in New York and comes from The Chiefs of Police Association after they had created a package earlier in the year.
Specifics were a roadblock in making the proposal become a reality. However, many are hopeful that this time around could be different.
The proposal would do three things specifically:
- Create a database accessible to police in their cars that includes information about restrictions, which would include curfews. Release conditions are currently not included in what police officers have available to them.
- It would allow police officers to detain a parolee and turn that individual over to parole.
- It would give parole officials the choice as to what to do with the parolee who has violated the terms.
More criminal laws have met challenges in the past. While many understand the core concepts behind them, the argument has largely been that New York State’s criminal process is complex and challenged enough in present form.
Adding more challenges would be an unnecessary addition.
This is a developing story and FingerLakes1.com will continue to cover it as this proposal makes its way through the two legislative chambers in New York.
