How Legal Aid’s pro-crime push puts all of us in danger

The Legal Aid Society: A Drain on Taxpayer Dollars and Public Safety

The Legal Aid Society, a publicly funded organization, is often seen as a beacon of hope for the poor in need of legal defense. However, a closer look reveals that this organization is not just about defending the underprivileged in court. It also spends a significant amount of taxpayer dollars on class-action litigation and lobbying efforts that prioritize the rights of criminals over the safety of the public.

Former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly has criticized the Legal Aid Society for its anti-police stance, which he believes is contributing to a decline in the number of experienced cops willing to join the force. The organization’s recent demands to stop arresting individuals for “low-level” crimes like shoplifting and drug possession have raised concerns about public safety. Kelly argues that every arrest should be thoroughly investigated to ensure that suspects are not wanted for more serious crimes or violating parole.

Another controversial move by the Legal Aid Society is its push to outlaw the handcuffing of accused criminals in court. The organization claims that handcuffing is “dehumanizing,” but Kelly and others argue that it is a necessary safety measure for all parties involved. Additionally, the Legal Aid Society’s opposition to using weapons scanners in the subway and its efforts to dismantle the NYPD’s Gang Database have been met with criticism from law enforcement officials.

The Legal Aid Society’s lobbying efforts have also had a significant impact on the legal landscape in New York, leading to the implementation of no-cash-bail laws, Raise the Age laws, and discovery “reforms” that have resulted in the dismissal of thousands of cases on technicalities. Kelly and other critics believe that these changes have made it more difficult for law enforcement to effectively combat crime and ensure public safety.

In light of these concerns, there have been calls to defund the Legal Aid Society’s lobbying and class-action operations, as well as other nonprofits that prioritize the interests of criminals over those of law-abiding citizens. Taxpayer dollars should not be used to undermine public safety and make crime more profitable. It is time to reevaluate the priorities of organizations like the Legal Aid Society and ensure that they are truly serving the needs of the community.

Betsy McCaughey, a former lieutenant governor of New York, is a vocal critic of the Legal Aid Society and its impact on public safety. She co-founded the Committee to Save Our City in an effort to address these concerns and advocate for policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers.