Police Chief Says New State Bail Law Would Likely Increase Recidivism Rate

JAMESTOWN — Under New York State’s new bail law Jamestown Police Chief Harry Snellings says the recidivism rate will likely increase.

Snellings spoke during a press conference last week with law enforcement officials from across Chautauqua County.

“Even if we arrest this drug dealer and he or she is out the very next day, they are going to re-up,” explained Snellings. “What I mean by re-up is they are going to be resupplied with drugs, and they are going to go right back to doing what they were doing prior to us kicking in their door.”

The bail law, part of the state’s criminal justice reforms, eliminates pretrial detention and money bail for the wide majority of misdemeanor and nonviolent felony cases.

State officials say the changes are expected to reduce the number of people held in jail while awaiting trial.

Chautauqua County Executive, and State Senator Elect, George Borrello called on officials to repeal the recently passed reforms before they take effect on January 1, 2020.