Lawmakers say not enough time to reconsider penal code after officer death

Mayor Eric Adams Calls for Criminal Justice System Reform in the Wake of NYPD Officer’s Death

Mayor Eric Adams is blaming the tragic death of an NYPD officer on a breakdown in the criminal justice system. He is urging state lawmakers to consider changes to New York’s penal code and mental health laws. This comes at a time when politicians are working on a budget deal that is on track to be late.

Addressing the Issues

During a press conference at City Hall, Mayor Adams emphasized the need for analysis and reform of current laws dealing with repeat offenders. He highlighted severe mental health issues, random acts of violence, and recidivism as recurring problems that need to be addressed.

Proposed Changes

Mayor Adams is advocating for changes to be made to Kendra’s Law, which allows state courts to order individuals with mental health issues into treatment. He also wants to strengthen how courts order outpatient treatment for people struggling with their mental health. These proposed changes aim to improve the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in dealing with individuals who pose a danger to themselves and others.

Extended Budget Deadline

On Wednesday, Governor Kathy Hochul officially extended the April 1 budget deadline to April 4. This extension provides more time for negotiations and consideration of additional criminal justice changes.

Support from Elected Officials

State Assemblyman Brian Cunningham, a Brooklyn Democrat, expressed the need for a comprehensive review of crime prevention and rehabilitation strategies. Republican Assemblyman Michael Durso, representing the district where the slain officer’s family lives, agreed with the mayor’s concerns about recidivism and emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues.

Mental Health Support

Both Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams agree on the need for increased mental health support. Hochul’s budget plans include opening new psychiatric beds, funding new mental health courts, and expanding mental health response teams and crisis intervention teams. These measures aim to provide better care for individuals with mental health issues and reduce the risk of violent incidents.

Strengthening Kendra’s Law

Mayor Adams aims to strengthen how courts order outpatient treatment for individuals struggling with their mental health. He wants to clarify the standards for involuntary treatment and require hospital facilities to screen individuals for participation in Kendra’s Law program upon discharge. State Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, a Queens Democrat, has introduced a bill to change the current law’s standards, which is supported by City Hall.

Challenges Ahead

While there is support for reforming Kendra’s Law, convincing colleagues to sign on to the measure remains an uphill battle. Mandating medical treatment raises controversy, but proponents argue that it is a compassionate and necessary step to ensure public safety and provide appropriate care for individuals with mental health issues.

Future Legislation

The Adams administration officials have expressed interest in working on the legislation outside of state budget negotiations, indicating a commitment to addressing these issues beyond immediate budget concerns.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the breakdown in the criminal justice system, mental health issues, and the need for changes in laws and policies. These issues are connected to multiple SDGs, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as it addresses mental health support and treatment; SDG 5 (Gender Equality), as it mentions the case of Kendra Webdale who was killed by a man with a history of mental illness; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), as it highlights the need to address recidivism and ensure equal access to justice; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), as it emphasizes the importance of making cities safe and resilient; and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as it focuses on improving the criminal justice system and ensuring access to justice for all.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified include reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (Target 3.4), eliminating violence against women and girls (Target 5.2), promoting social inclusion (Target 10.2), providing universal access to safe and inclusive public spaces (Target 11.7), and ensuring equal access to justice (Target 16.3).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 11.7.1: Average share of the built environment accessible to people with disabilities.
• Indicator 16.3.3: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms.

The article mentions or implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include the mortality rate attributed to non-communicable diseases (Indicator 3.4.1), the proportion of women subjected to violence by an intimate partner (Indicator 5.2.1), the proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income (Indicator 10.2.1), the share of the built environment accessible to people with disabilities (Indicator 11.7.1), and the proportion of victims of violence who reported their victimization (Indicator 16.3.3).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators