“The death penalty is a deterrent that will act as protection for those men and women who put their lives at risk everyday to protect the rest of us.”
Brewster, N.Y. – (12/13/2011) – Senator Greg Ball (R, C – Patterson) is calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty in cases involving the intentional murder of a police officer, peace officer or an employee of the Department of Correctional Services after 22-year NYPD veteran Peter Figoski was gunned down early Monday morning in Brooklyn, NY.
“Peter Figoski is a true hero who made more than 200 arrests in his career and earned 12 medals,” Senator Ball said, explaining the need for the death penalty. “The death penalty is a deterrent that will act as protection for those men and women who put their lives at risk everyday to protect the rest us.”
When Senator Ball first announced this legislation back in March, the New York State Correction Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) Legislative Director Christopher Leo thanked Senator Ball for recognizing the dangerous jobs that their members do. “When someone is sentenced to life in prison with no possibility for parole, they have nothing to lose. Senator Ball’s legislation encompasses and protects the brave men and women who work in New York s prisons,” Leo said. “Some say the death penalty is not a deterrent, but then again, those same people have never worked in a prison.”
Since a 2004 New York Court of Appeals ruling established that the procedure for imposing the death penalty was flawed, prosecutors have been unable to seek the death penalty when a law enforcement officer is murdered while performing his duties. Since the ruling, there have been 9 police officers in New York intentionally murdered. 8 of which occurred after this legislation was enacted calling only for a sentence of life without parole for those who kill law enforcement officers. “Officer Figoski is the most recent of these horrible and, unfortunately, all too common slayings,” Senator Ball said. “Since 1971, 231 of our bravest have been murdered. It’s time to put an end to the violence.”
The Senator has also formed a Law Enforcement Advisory Council which meets with Ball to discuss the needs of, and important issues affecting, the law enforcement community. Senator Ball explained,” The input and advice from this and other advisory councils will guide me in making prudent decisions on awarding New York State grants, and sponsoring important Senate legislation during my term in office.”
Senator Ball placed a petition on his Senate website [3], where the public can go and pledge their support for the Cop Killer bill. “ I urge people to go to my website and complete the petition, we need to let everyone in Albany know we take the safety of our law enforcement personnel seriously, and we want to see those commit acts against them punished to the full extent of the law.”
For more information or to speak with Senator Ball, please contact Brittany Oat: (845) 200-9716.
###
