In just a few weeks, New York’s Criminal Justice Reforms will go into effect and drastically change how law enforcement officers go about business.

Ahead of January 1, local agencies are scrambling to train officers on how they’ll be impacted.

Spectrum News spent time this week with the Greece Police Department, where Chief Patrick Phelan is training his team during roll call.

“Warrants are still going to be held for arraignment,” Phelan said. “If it’s not a qualifying offense, it’s not bail eligible, but it’s still gonna be arraigned.”

Phalen, who also heads up the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, says it is a lot to learn for the cops on the beat.

At Tuesday’s roll call, the chief reviewed procedures and helped officers learn about the reform which includes the elimination of cash bail and pre-trial detention for nearly all misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenses.

Phelan and law enforcement officials from across the state oppose the changes.

Greece Police Officer David D’Aurelio is one of many trying to get up to speed before the new year. He believes these changes will make the community less safe.

“We’re still gonna go out and arrest people, but when we do arrest people, you’re not going to have the ability to hold them on bail. Potentially, they could get out and do the same thing all over again,” D’Aurelio said.

"The overall feeling is, you know, it's one of genuine concern. You know, that's really how I feel about it. I'm responsible for the life and property of 98,000 people roughly,” Phelan added. “I wake up every day and think about keeping them safe. That's my job: That the people that live in this town, it’s my job to keep them safe. I don't know how I'm going to do that under these circumstances.”

Supporters of the reform say these laws will create a more fair, just and safe system for all New Yorkers. Governor Andrew Cuomo says it will speed up the justice system.

Officers will have to comply with adjusted discovery guidelines and changes in the way their paperwork is forwarded to the district attorney's office. 

Read the about the New York Criminal Justice Reform online.