Previously Published in The Messenger
By Dean Murray
As New York prepares for the 2026 legislative session, there is no shortage of serious challenges demanding attention. From affordability and public safety to infrastructure, education, and quality-of-life concerns, our state stands at a crossroads. The decisions we make in Albany in the coming year will have lasting consequences for families and communities across New York. While many issues will rightfully be debated, one priority for me rises above the rest: standing up for the rights of crime victims and restoring balance, accountability, and compassion to our criminal justice system.
For too long, New York’s policies have tilted overwhelmingly in favor of criminals, often at the expense of victims and public safety. Recent reforms have morphed into a system where accountability is weakened, consequences are diluted, and victims are left feeling invisible, forgotten, and abandoned. That reality was underscored powerfully during a recent crime victims’ rights roundtable I convened alongside Senate colleagues, Suffolk and Nassau County’s Police Departments, the District Attorney’s Office, Advocacy and Support Agencies, and most importantly, crime victims and their families.
The purpose of the roundtable was not political theater. It was a solutions-driven discussion rooted in listening, learning, and confronting hard truths. We examined gaps in the current system, elevated the voices of those directly impacted, and discussed meaningful policy reforms that can and must be advanced. Hearing directly from victims’ families was both heartbreaking and clarifying. These were not abstract policy debates; they were deeply personal stories of loss, trauma, and a justice system that too often failed them.
New York’s current pro-criminal policies have created a dangerous imbalance. From bail reform and raise the age, to expanded elder and early parole provisions, these changes combined with others have produced a system where offenders are given second, third, and seemingly endless chances. Meanwhile, victims and their families do not get second chances. They do not get the opportunity to undo violence, reclaim a lost loved one, or erase the memory of horrific events they have endured. They live with an unfillable void, permanent grief, and the lifelong consequences of crime. These victims are serving a life sentence without their loved ones. This reality is simply unacceptable!
Public safety is the foundation of strong, thriving communities and should be the first priority for those holding positions in government. When accountability seems to disappear, when repeat offenders cycle through the system without consequences, and when victims are sidelined in favor of ideological agendas, everyone suffers. Communities become less safe, trust in institutions is lost, and the message sent to victims is devastatingly clear: their pain is secondary.
At the roundtable, law enforcement officials and prosecutors spoke candidly about the real-world consequences of current policies. Officers described the frustration of repeatedly arresting the same individuals, only to see them released and reoffend. Prosecutors outlined how weakened tools make it harder to secure justice. Advocates and service providers highlighted the strain placed on victims who are retraumatized by a system that fails to prioritize their rights and dignity.
But above all, it was the voices of the families that left a lasting effect. Parents who lost children. Siblings and spouses lost. Survivors who continue to carry the weight of violence every day. Their courage in sharing their stories was nothing short of inspiring. Their message to us was clear: reform must put victims first!
Fighting for the rights of crime victims will be one of my top priorities as the new legislative session begins in Albany. This is not about being “tough” or “soft” on crime; it is about being smart, fair, and humane. It is about restoring balance to a system that has swung way too far in the wrong direction. It is about recognizing that justice must include accountability, and that compassion must extend to those harmed, not just those who cause harm. We must restore common sense!
Meaningful reform requires acknowledging where current policies fall short and having the courage to fix them. That means reexamining bail laws to ensure dangerous individuals are not repeatedly released to reoffend. It means reassessing parole policies that ensure they reflect public safety realities and the severity of crimes committed. Under elder parole, people like Colin Ferguson would be eligible to get out of prison… that is completely unacceptable. We must strengthen victims’ rights, expand access to services and support, and ensure victims’ voices are heard throughout the justice process.
It also means rejecting the false narrative that accountability and compassion are mutually exclusive. We must prioritize safety. We must seek fairness for victims. And we must build a justice system that protects communities without abandoning those who have suffered the most.
To the victims and families who shared their stories at the roundtable, and to those across New York who live with loss and trauma every day, I want you to know this: I see you. I hear you. And I will fight with you for these changes. Your resilience, strength, and willingness to speak out does not go unnoticed and your voices will not be ignored.
As we head into the 2026 legislative session, this will be a central issue I plan to champion. I will continue working with colleagues, law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, and most importantly victims and their families to advance reforms and restore accountability, improve public safety, and ensure no victim feels invisible or forgotten.
Keeping our communities safe is not optional. It is our responsibility as elected officials. Ensuring those who commit crimes know that there are consequences to their actions is an essential part to a fair justice system. Standing with victims is not just good policy; it is honestly just the right thing to do!
Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) has represented the Third District in the New York State Senate since 2023 after having represented the Third Assembly District from 2010 to 2013 and again from 2015 to 2018. He serves as Ranking Member on the committees on Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business; Libraries; and Social Services. He also serves on the committees on Budget and Revenue; Codes; and Higher Education.