Dear Friends,
This past week held important moments for New York and our goals of a safer city and smarter approach to criminal justice.
First, Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio named William Bratton the next police commissioner. Mr. Bratton, one of the most experienced and effective leaders in law enforcement, has a proven track record to take on the challenges to lead the NYPD at this pivotal moment, and to build on the terrific work of the outgoing commissioner. The new commissioner inherits a strong and effective NYPD, with a remarkable track record, and we look forward to working with him in advancing public safety.
We salute Commissioner Ray Kelly for his years of selfless dedication to the service of the public and salute his remarkable achievements, including driving crime to lows not thought possible. New York is a better place because of his service.
There was also progress on one of our top issues: raising the age of criminal responsibility in New York from 16 to 18. New York is sadly one of only two states left which still prosecutes defendants as young as 16 as adults regardless of the crime they committed.
The State Assembly held a joint hearing on Friday on Raise the Age between four of its committees, adding significant momentum to our push for a smarter, fairer approach to youth crime. The Crime Commission testified at the hearing. And, today,
the Daily News ran my column on the issue, calling for our state government to finally address this ineffective and damaging policy.
Thank you, as always, for your support. There is much more work to do.
Sincerely,
Richard M. Aborn
President, Citizens Crime Commission of New York City
The Citizens Crime Commission of New York City is a non-partisan non-profit organization working to make criminal justice and public safety policies and practices more effective through innovation, research, and education. In the last three decades, the Crime Commission has been a leader on key issues such as: increasing the size of the NYPD, expanding the use of DNA evidence in crime fighting, creating innovations that reduce juvenile crime, developing interventions against gun violence and illegal gun crime, and highlighting the changing nature of the threat of terrorism.
For more information please visit our website at: www.nycrimecommission.org