State Sen. John DeFrancisco noted that some prosecutor misconduct has led to wrongful conviction and jail time for innocent people.
“Despite the good work of most prosecutors, there must be a remedy against those who violate the law,” DeFrancisco said. “This prosecutorial conduct commission legislation … will provide that remedy.”
Additionally, he believes the commission will “change the conduct of wrongdoing prosecutors” over time. It will also help ensure that the criminal justice system is fair for all.
Cuomo’s Efforts to Restore Faith in New York’s Criminal Justice System
The governor is committed to restoring trust and addressing inequities in the state’s criminal justice system. His 2018 State of the State policy agenda included increasing oversight on jail facilities, where conditions for prisoners are sometimes dangerous.
Last year, Cuomo led the effort to raise the age of criminal responsibility and approved legislation requiring law enforcement to video-record custodial interrogations for serious offenses.
