Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) and Senator Dean Murray, (R-C, 3rd Senate District) led an interagency Crime Victims Roundtable Friday focused on improving policy and legislation to better serve and protect crime victims across New York State. The event, held at Hilbert College in Hamburg, brought together lawmakers, representatives of law enforcement, victim advocates, service providers, and those directly impacted by crime.

The roundtable is part of a series being held across the state aimed at developing legislation to better protect and support all victims and ensure they receive the services they deserve. Participants included representatives of the NYS Association of Chiefs of Police, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, the Family Justice Center, the Seneca Nation of Indians, and crime victims.

“As a former State Trooper and Sheriff of Erie County, I understand the impact crime has on victims and their families,” Senator Gallivan said. “Recent changes in our criminal justice laws favor offenders over law-abiding citizens and victims. It is important for us to hear directly from crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf to make sure resources are in place to help them recover and to make New York safer for everyone.”

Senator Murray is a member of the Senate’s Crime Victims, Crime, and Correction Committee.

"New York's pro-criminal policies have left crime victims...those who have suffered the most, to feel invisible and forgotten,’ said Senator Murray. “We owe it to them to listen to their stories and learn where we, as lawmakers, can make meaningful changes to our laws. It is imperative that we find real, lasting ways to support crime victims and survivors through legislation, advocacy, and every level of our public safety system.” 

Hilbert College, which offers programs in criminal justice, crime scene investigation, forensic science, and human services among others, hosted the roundtable.

“We thank Senators Patrick Gallivan and Dean Murray for bringing this Crime Victims Roundtable to Hilbert College,” said Michael R. Cornell, Interim President of Hilbert College. “It reflects the core purpose of Hilbert’s mission to educate professionals who lead with skill, compassion, and a commitment to strengthen our communities.”

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You can view the event here: https://youtu.be/a028pP8UMRY