We, the undersigned residents of the City of Salamanca and surrounding communities, are deeply concerned about the negative impact that New York State’s bail reform laws have had on our community. While we acknowledge that the intent of these reforms was to ensure fairness in the criminal justice system, they have unintentionally contributed to a rise in crime and disorder in small communities like ours.

Salamanca has seen an increase in criminal activity, particularly among repeat offenders who are released under the current bail laws and return to the streets without adequate accountability. Our community is facing:

• An increase in drug-related crimes, including trafficking and public drug use.
• Repeated property theft, vandalism, and break-ins by individuals who are released without bail.
• A growing sense of fear and insecurity among long-time residents, especially our elderly population, who feel vulnerable to the escalating criminal activity.
• Overburdened police and emergency services, who face the challenge of repeatedly arresting the same offenders without the ability to keep them off the streets.

These issues are not just about crime rates; they are about the erosion of community safety and the diminishing quality of life in Salamanca. We need reform that strikes a balance between fairness and public safety. We call on New York State officials to:

• Allow judges more discretion to impose bail on repeat offenders who pose a clear risk to public safety.
• Expand the list of offenses eligible for bail, particularly those involving drug trafficking, violent behavior, and property crimes.
• Ensure that those released under the current bail laws are provided with the necessary rehabilitation and supervision services to prevent repeat offenses.

We urge New York State lawmakers to recognize the serious challenges that small communities like Salamanca face under the current bail reform framework and to take immediate action to protect public safety.