Resurrect Death Penalty
To The Editor:

In the last 18 months, New York's law enforcement community and their families have gathered nine separate times to bury one of their own- an officer cut down in the line of duty simply because of the badge he wore. Each of these tragedies, touching every corner of our state, is a somber reminder of the dangers faced each and every day by those sworn to protect and serve us.

We in the New York state senate majority believe that only the strong deterrent of the death penalty sends the message of the value we place on the lives and safety of the men and women of law enforcement.The majority of our fellow New Yorkers continue to agree, as consistently shown in public opinion surveys.

As a former Queens prosecutor and deputy chief of the Homicide Bureau, I wanted to let you know that this issue is particularly important to me. The senate has acted forcefully in voting to restore the death penalty of the murder of law enforcement officers, including police and corrections officials. I encourage you to share this information with your colleagues, family and friends.

You also may wish to contact your representative in the state Assembly and let them know your feelings on this critically important legislation. It is now evident that the Assembly did not act on any bill to restore the death penalty during regular legislative session. However, we will be returning for special session over the summer months and they could address this issue at that time

As a former chairman of the senate Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections Committee, I can advise you that the state senate majority stands with you in the conviction that New York needs the deterrent of the death penalty to protect those who protect us. You can be sure I will continue to work to make sure the death penalty once again becomes the law of New York state.
Sincerely,
Serphin R. Maltese
State Senator, Queens County