The organization that represents district attorneys in New York is seeking more money in the state budget to help pay for prosecutor training, costs incurred due to the new discovery and cashless bail laws, as well as money to help fight gun violence in the state.
The organization is seeking $2.5 million for a prosecutor training institute, which has not received a funding increase in more than 10 years. The letter also called for $2.5 million to set up regional Crime Gun Intelligence Centers around the state. The money would be used to buy equipment to trace shell casings and hire staff to use the systems.
And the association is calling for $16 million to gun violence elimination programs for the coming budget year.
“New York State’s prosecutors work very hard within our communities to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers,” said Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan. “Unfortunately, a rise in violence and especially gun violence instills fear in all of us who live and work in this state. Reports of rising crime, disorder, homelessness, and even an increase in graffiti contribute to a perception of fear. All while our responsibilities as prosecutors have been increasing exponentially. Keeping up with new laws, new technologies and the latest advances in tools for solving crimes is essential but also carry high costs. We must fund these initiatives and continue to ensure that those who enter the criminal justice system are also provided with the resources they are in need of.”
The annual budget letter from the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York sent this week to Gov. Kathy Hochul comes as she will be presenting her first budget in the coming weeks.
“I hope the state will fund the necessary technology, programs and education that can help the District Attorneys and people of our state,” Jordan said. “I also hope that more counties are able to offer initiatives that help reduce the number of people in the criminal justice system. Most of all I hope for better days ahead for our state and public safety is essential to that goal.”