Queens Councilmember Robert Holden, pictured, has introduced legislation aimed at tackling rising crime (Photo: NYC Council)
Oct.31, 2022 By Michael Dorgan
Queens Councilmember Robert Holden has introduced legislation aimed at keeping tabs on the mentally ill as a means to combat rising crime. He has also introduced a resolution calling on the state to amend its bail reform laws.
The legislation, introduced by Holden Thursday, consists of one bill and one resolution with the overall goal to improve public safety. Major crime is up 31.5 percent in New York City this year compared to the same time last year, according to police data.
Holden’s bill, Intro 793, would require the city to publish regular reports on the number of mentally ill individuals being referred to for treatment, while Resolution 366 calls on the state to amend its controversial bail laws.
Holden says that some mentally ill individuals are not being treated properly and end up committing crimes. He also believes the state’s sweeping bail reform laws have resulted in career criminals being released back on the streets.
“Our streets and subways are dangerous, with a surge of unprovoked attacks and murders of residents and visitors,” said Holden, who represents the 30th Council District.
Intro 793 would require the Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to report on how often people with severe mental illness are referred for treatment in the city’s Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program.
The AOT program mandates outpatient treatment for mentally unstable individuals who may pose a risk to themselves and others. City agencies and hospitals typically refer individuals for treatment and then an order may be handed down in civil court compelling them to get help.
The program was created after the passage of Kendra’s Law in 1999.
If passed, Intro 793 would require DOHMH to report on the number of referrals filed and the number of court orders that result from those referrals. The first report would be made by Feb. 1, 2023, and quarterly thereafter.
The second piece of legislation, Resolution 366, calls on the state to pass a companion bill that has been introduced in both the assembly and senate that would amend New York’s bail laws.
The state legislation calls for judges to have more discretion when setting bail conditions for defendants who may pose a threat to public safety. It would give judges greater authority to hold defendants based on their prior felony convictions, failure to make an appearance in court, or subsequent arrests while awaiting trial.
The state’s 2019 bail reform laws prohibit cash bail for all but the most serious misdemeanors and felonies — although some of the reforms have been rolled back.
The passage of Holden’s council resolution – although not legally binding – would send a strong message to Albany lawmakers.
Holden said his bill and resolution would help curb the spiraling crime numbers.
“Government must utilize Kendra’s Law, repeal bail reform to get career criminals off the streets, and make all New Yorkers safer,” Holden said.
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13 Comments
We’re with you Bob. The slimeball that attacked that poor women on the west side attacked two other women. He had a record of over 20 prior arrests. Why was he not in jail?
Donovan Richards borough president playing race card again
He thinks only quote right wingers care about crime and thst minorities are not crime victims
Richards is awful
We can do better than Donovan and lefty loons
Arrest turnstile jumpers, run them for warrants and anyone out on parole or probation gets violated for theft of service and fulfills their original sentence. Rigid enforcement of the law with the cooperation of the DAs is how Bratton and Maple reduced crime in the subways even though crime was still getting worse above ground in the 90s. The democrats are wrong, we can jail as many offenders as needed. We don’t need to fix every criminal, we just need to convince them that you can’t do it here. It worked in the 90s, it will work now. 4 out of 5 DAs need to go. We are stuck with the judges that have been elected. People need to vote in primary elections in particular. Whatever POS wins the dem primary, wins the general election. The Republicans put up some right to life nut job or no candidate at all and wonder how they lose.
why dont we ask deblasios wife where the 800millon for mental went?
Holden endorsed Zeldin for Governor, who shamefully voted to overturn the results of the 2020 election on Jan. 6 AFTER the attack on the Capitol. Seems like Holden is angling for a spot in a Zeldin Administration.
Why post about this when Holden doesn’t have the votes to pass it, or more than a handful of votes on anything he proposes? Also, if you read carefully, Holden isn’t legislating much of anything that would stop crime. Instead he is fearmongering about the mentally ill and calling for a RESOLUTION (as if he were still a member of the community board) to suggest the state change its bail reform laws. This is merely another example of Holden’s incompetence.
Glad you posted a link to compstat as well. There are comparative numbers on there that are quite telling. -80.5% major crimes when you compare to the bad old days in ’90. Let that sink in. 78.4% fewer murders, 86.2% fewer robberies, 89.5% fewer burglaries. What decade are you stuck in, Bob?
Always be suspicious of what demagogues like Holden peddle for political gain. While the news outlets (starving for content and some owned by conservative groups) talk about car thefts like we’re back in ’90, just know the numbers are down 92.9%. Not one major crime indicator has increased in the comparisons over the last 32 years. Good grief.
its wonderful to know that there are a few normal thinking politicians still working in the interest of law abiding citizens. enough with those crazy Socialist’s and their radical views that favor the criminal over the victim. Lets vote them out of office and return NYC to be the great place to live it once was.
Thank you Robert for actually caring. Literally one of the few sane voices representing us at the moment. No more slaps on the wrist for career criminals!!!
so these politicians that caused the crime to skyrocket now propose legislation that goes against their original legislation that allows criminals to go free? so honorable, courageous, and brave. all of sudden after years of crime waves, you decide to care? and what perfect timing, right during voting week. we wont forget what you’ve done to this city this week and will vote accordingly.
Yes sure Bob. It’s time to stop these criminals. They are destroying our society. We do not need to be part of a sociological experiment. I want to live in a safe environment and people need to take responsibility for their actions.
This guy should be mayor
Get rid of that idiotic “bail reform”, bring back the Anti Crime Unit and start arresting turnstile jumpers. Crime rate will tumble.
But, but, but per Tiffany Caban and Mandani, if you just say “where did you go to high school” to an assailant, he will stop listen and just go away. That’s how we solve crime!