Congresswoman Tenney Leads New York Delegation in Introducing SERVE Our Communities Act to Combat Crime and Support Law Enforcement

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today led the New York Republican delegation in introducing the Stop Enabling Repeat Violence and Endangering (SERVE) Our Communities Act.

Tenney was joined by Representatives Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Nick LaLota (NY-01), Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Nick Langworthy (NY-23) in introducing the SERVE Our Communities Act.

Since 2019, New York has experienced a deadly crime wave after the passage of a so-called bail reform law which eliminated cash bail and expanded pre-trial release for a variety of misdemeanor and felony charges. The SERVE Our Communities will enhance public safety by encouraging states like New York to implement policies that hold repeat offenders accountable.

This legislation authorizes $10 million in anti-recidivism grant funding from the Department of Justice for states with laws allowing courts to assess the dangerousness of individuals when determining bail or pretrial release. To qualify for this funding, eligible states must demonstrate efforts to hire and retain law enforcement personnel or launch public awareness campaigns aimed at countering anti-police sentiment and fostering improved community-police relations.

"We must end the ongoing cycle of crime caused by Albany's bail reform policies, which prioritize criminals over law-abiding New Yorkers. The SERVE Our Communities Act incentivizes states to prioritize law enforcement and public safety by repealing these harmful and misguided policies. I am honored to lead my New York Republican colleagues in introducing this legislation, which works to support our law enforcement officers and enhances public safety," said Congresswoman Tenney.

"Since the Democrats' radical 2019 Bail Law took effect, violent crime and recidivism rates have skyrocketed across New York City and State, putting public safety at risk. I'm proud to join my New York colleagues in introducing this bill to incentivize the hiring of law enforcement officers which we desperately need and repeal the soft-on-crime policies that have made our communities less safe," said Congresswoman Malliotakis.

"Bail reform has destroyed New York. Our brave law enforcement officers and law-abiding New Yorkers feel the consequences while criminals roam free. As long as the far-left leaders in Albany fail to protect New Yorkers, it is our job in Congress to do so. I am proud to join my New York colleagues in Congress in introducing the SERVE Our Communities Act to bring safety back to our streets," said Congressman Langworthy.

"New Yorkers deserve to feel safe in their communities, but Albany's disastrous bail reform policies have made that impossible. The SERVE Our Communities Act is a necessary step toward restoring accountability and ensuring repeat offenders no longer cycle in and out of the system unchecked. I'm proud to join Congresswoman Tenney and my New York colleagues in standing up for our law enforcement and prioritizing the safety of law-abiding citizens," said Congressman Garbarino.

"Cashless bail is the single stupidest piece of legislation ever signed into existence. It allows career criminals the chance to offend again and again without any punishment and makes New Yorkers less safe. The SERVE Our Communities Act will encourage New York to fix its broken criminal justice laws and restore public safety. It's a common-sense bill that pushes the state towards a common-sense solution," saidCongressman Lawler.

"The SERVE Our Communities Act takes critical steps to address the dangerous soft-on-crime policies imposed by Albany Democrats, including cashless bail and lenient pretrial release. This is a common-sense bill that deserves bipartisan support because every lawmaker, regardless of party, should be doing more to empower Law Enforcement officers to protect our communities," said Congressman LaLota.

Law enforcement officers from NY-24 have expressed their strong support for Tenney's bill:

"The NY Bail Reform of 2020 has proven to be a Colossal Failure. As a result of inept leadership in Albany, Law Enforcement continues to struggle at the local levels with high recidivism rates. The far left majority NYC delegates continue to "kick the can down the road" for nothing more than to skew the numbers and make a certain few in Albany look good. Return cash bail, and provide the Magistrates with the discretion they need, and send the message to the pathetic repeat offenders that your behavior will not be tolerated, and "get your act together." Thank you Rep. Elise Stefanik(NY-21) and Rep. Claudia Tenney(NY-24) for your support. The SERVE Our Communities Act could not come at a better time for all New Yorkers," said Jefferson County Sheriff Peter Barnett.

"I support any legislation that supports training and educating those in the legal system who are charged with determining the custody status of repeat offenders," said Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione.

I would like to thank Congresswoman Tenney for sponsoring the Serve Our Communities Act as well as all of our elected leaders that support the initiatives outlined in the bill. To ensure public safety in our communities, we must hire and retain law enforcement officers that meet the highest standards in policing. At the same time, we must hold criminal offenders accountable, especially those repeat offenders that continue to victimize others and continually reoffend. Our judges, district attorneys and law enforcement officers must have the means to enforce the law and tools to hold dangerous offenders in custody when warranted," said Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck.

"I am in full support of the Stop Enabling Repeat Violence and Endangering (SERVE) Our Communities Act and appreciate Congresswoman Tenney's efforts in sponsoring this important bill. We need to hold repeat offenders accountable and I hope that this bill helps to bring change to New York State with respect to courts gaining the authority to use a dangerousness standard when assessing bail or pretrial release. Public safety should always be our priority and we have all seen what the lack of consequences have done in our country. This bill would also help law enforcement agencies in their recruitment and retention while building positive connections with their communities. This is a great bill and I stand behind it," said Seneca County Sheriff Tim Thompson.

"Thank you, Congresswoman Tenney, for sponsoring the Stop Enabling Repeat Violence and Endangering our Communities (SERVE Act) bill. This critical legislation is essential to enhancing public safety in our communities. I hope this bill will give judges the authority to hold dangerous criminals accountable. I strongly urge all New York legislators to reconsider the harmful bail reform laws and work towards safer communities for everyone," said Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton.

"From the inception of New York State Bail Reform I, along with many others, predicted that it would have dangerous consequences. Our worst fears have been realized with repeat offenders and dangerous criminals being allowed to walk free in our community. I hear complaints from residents on a regular basis about crime being committed by the same individuals over and over. I support any legislation that will allow judges to hold those accountable that persist in wreaking havoc on our law abiding citizens. It would be refreshing to see our efforts make a difference and to have state leaders recognize the difficult job we have because of misguided criminal justice reform," said Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti.

###

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.