Manchester aldermen to send letter to legislators saying bail reform ‘just isn’t working and we’re paying a price’

By:
On:
In: In the Media, New Hampshire

Manchester aldermen to send letter to legislators saying bail reform 'just isn't working and we’re paying a price'

(excerpt from the Union Leader - Oct 1 2019)

MANCHESTER — Saying bail reform “just isn’t working and we’re paying a price,” Manchester aldermen voted Tuesday night to direct the city solicitor to send a letter to legislators describing how the new system is impacting the Queen City.

“We need to see change, and we need to see change quickly,” said Ward 3 Alderman Tim Baines, whose motion to ask City Solicitor Emily Rice’s office to draft a letter received unanimous support from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

“It’s just baffling to me to see that people are being arrested and released when they get over to Valley Street jail,” said Ward 10 Alderman Bill Barry. “Sometimes released before they get to jail.”

Hours after alderman took their vote, Police Chief Carlo Capano complained about another person released on bail — Derry resident Cory Faria, 27, who had been charged with brandishing a handgun during a road rage incident on Monday night.

“This is a man suspected of pointing a loaded gun at someone on a busy city road, if that’s not a danger to the public I don’t know what is, yet he is released on PR Bail,” Capano said in a statement. PR refers to personal recognizance.

Capano said the system is not working and police see lawbreakers released with little to no accountability.

continue reading...

Facebook Comments