Legislation that would eliminate having to pay cash to get out of jail is being criticized by law enforcement. 

Greece Police Chief and Vice President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police Patrick Phelan says this bill would be a threat to public safety.

It would eliminate cash bail only for nonviolent offenders. Those accused of violent felony crimes would still have to post bail to be released before a court appearance.  

“You’ll watch people walk free immediately following their arrest,” said Phelan. “It’s a very bad idea but that’s the way we do things in New York.” 

Governor Andrew Cuomo is advocating the change in the current system.

The governor said “Cash bail means that if you’re rich, you get to walk and if you’re poor, and you can’t make bail, you sit in jail. That isn't justice."

The bill was approved by the assembly in June and is headed to the Senate floor.

The Monroe County District Attorney's Office has started working on policies that would protect victims of crimes if the bill were to pass.

“We certainly don’t want someone sitting in jail because they can't make a $50 bail on a petty larceny, that shouldn’t be the case,” said Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley.  “We want to make sure that a domestic violence offender or a sex crime offender will be sitting in jail for the benefit and the safety of the victim.” 

Lawmakers will vote on whether to eliminate the cash bail system during the next legislative session.