Juvenile justice law changes that no longer treat 16 and 17-year-olds like adults should not be rolled back, dozens of clergy members urged in a letter to New York leaders to be released later on Monday. 

The letter from the clergy members is the latest salvo in the debate over how to shape New York's criminal justice system amid a rise in some violent crimes across the country, and rising voter concern over the issue. 

The juvenile justice law change, known as Raise the Age in New York, was meant to remove defendants under 18 from the adult criminal justice system. But officials have had trouble implementing key aspects of the law given the lack of funding. 

"Everyone deserves to feel safe. But, rolling back Raise the Age will not make New York safer," the clergy wrote in the letter. While it is clear that the uptick in gun violence is an epidemic that requires action, the Raise the Age law is not responsible for this crisis."

Since the law's enactment, shootings in New York City were at an all-time low, while arrests and incarceration of 16 and 17-year-olds have dropped sharply. 

"Only after months of COVID-19 infections, deaths and lockdowns did gun violence increase in some New York communities," the clergy wrote. "To consider roll-backs to Raise the Age would not only undo vital criminal justice reform, but it would also deflect attention and action away from the root causes of this problem."

Gov. Kathy Hochul and top Democrats in the state Legislature this week are negotiating a state budget that is expected to address a range of criminal justice issues, including the state's bail law, the sealing of criminal records for those who have completed their sentences, and potentially extend tuition assistance to people in prison.