State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins of Yonkers is facing a surge in crime in her community, with robberies up by 63%, burglaries up by 33%, felony assaults up by 8%, and auto theft up by 2% according to Yonkers Police Department statistics. There have been two murders so far this year, compared to zero during the same period last year. The Yonkers Police Benevolent Association is calling for Stewart-Cousins to reconsider bail reform laws, stating that public safety should be the top priority and measures need to be taken to address repeat offenders.
Stewart-Cousins, along with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, were advocates for New York’s controversial 2019 criminal justice reforms, which eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanor and non-violent felony charges. The reforms have been criticized for creating a revolving door for released felony suspects. Heastie’s Bronx district is currently experiencing a surge in rape and robbery, adding to the pressure for lawmakers to address rising violent crime in New York. Despite this, Stewart-Cousins has stated that the bail reforms have no correlation with the increase in crime, sparking backlash from Yonkers residents.
Yonkers has seen a rise in brazen crimes, such as a daylight jewelry store robbery where thieves smashed a window and stole $100,000 worth of merchandise. Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza has expressed concerns about the rise in lawlessness in the post-Covid era, stating that bail reform and raising the age of criminal liability have made it harder for law enforcement to do their job and keep people in jail. The community is concerned about the impact of crime on their safety and well-being.
Critics of Stewart-Cousins and Heastie argue that their support for bail reform and other changes to the criminal justice system has contributed to the surge in crime. Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and adjunct professor, stated that the lawmakers have continued to deflect and gaslight in the face of adversity. The connection between their support for criminal justice reforms and the increase in crime in their districts is seen as a clear example of reaping what they sow in terms of public safety.
The Yonkers Police Benevolent Association has called for Stewart-Cousins to reconsider bail reform laws in light of the increase in crime in Yonkers. The focus is on ensuring the safety of the community and addressing repeat offenders who pose a threat to residents. Stewart-Cousins and Heastie’s support for criminal justice reforms, including the elimination of cash bail for many charges, has created challenges for law enforcement and contributed to the rise in violent crime in New York. The community is looking to lawmakers to take action to address the surge in criminal activity and prioritize public safety.
