Public safety has been a priority for Assemblyman Joe DeStefano throughout his time in Albany. Drawing on 27 years of experience with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, DeStefano has consistently supported law enforcement and opposed policies he says make it more difficult for police, prosecutors and judges to protect the public.
DeStefano has been an outspoken opponent of New York’s cashless bail laws, co-sponsoring legislation to repeal the original reforms and supporting subsequent efforts to restore greater discretion to judges when determining whether defendants should be held before trial.
He has also opposed efforts to defund or diminish the role of police, while advocating for stronger protections for officers and other first responders. Among his sponsored legislation are measures addressing threats against police and peace officers and crimes targeting law enforcement personnel.
On Long Island, DeStefano has worked alongside Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney and other law enforcement officials on public-safety initiatives, including efforts involving criminal justice policy, human trafficking and fraud enforcement.
DeStefano’s position is straightforward: government should give police the resources and support they need, give judges the authority to protect their communities and ensure that New York’s criminal justice system keeps public safety at the forefront.