The ‘Less is More Act’ latest justice reform receives pushback from Rochester law enforcement

Rochester, New York – New York State’s newest justice reform is getting pushback from Town of Gates Police Chief James VanBrederode.

The “Less is More Act” signed by Governor Kathy Hochul Friday prevents recently paroled prisoners from being incarcerated on a technical violation, like missing a curfew.

Decreasing the number of people in jail for minor parole violations and prevent overcrowding in prisons is the goal new of the new act.

According to Chief VanBrederode, a parolee, David Alligood, shot up a bar in Gates killing one and injuring seven others in 2015.

“Here’s a guy that was on parole, he had a nine o’clock curfew, and he violated every one of those little, you know, rules, you know that that wasn’t criminal, but what does it lead to right well that’s one murder. So now, he’s back in prison for another 25-30 years, and we’re paying for that. And, you know, it’s all because of no supervision,” said VanBrederode.

According to VanBrederode more events like this could happen under the new act.

“If you just set somebody out of jail, and you don’t provide them with the necessary supervision and resources you’re setting them up for failure,” said VanBrederode.

Gov. Hochul and other supporters say the law is a necessary reform.

“I know the naysayers are going to say look you’re letting more people out. But again we should be a society that looks about rehabilitating people and reintegrating people and not reincarcerating people for mistakes, oversights, or addictions,” said Assembly member Carl Heastie.

According to VanBrederode, this is a threat to community safety.

The law goes into effect in March 2022.