OPINION
A 14 year old boy was just stabbed to death in New York by yet another emotionally disturbed, repeat offender who did not belong on the street.
Raise your hand if you know that your tax dollar is funding the release of criminal offenders in your area.
That’s right, what is even more alarming than the influx of repeat offenders back into our communities is the fact that the financial burden of their release often rests on the shoulders of you — the unknowing taxpayers; those very citizens who are often the victims of these crimes.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, made tremendous cuts to the budget of the fire department yet government funded offender release programs.
How did that work out?
It’s nothing short of astonishing that numerous states, counties, and municipalities have created government-funded programs to facilitate the release of criminal offenders.
What they’ve created is a government funded nightmare.
Each of these programs comes with its own crafty title — New Jersey refers to it as “Pretrial Release,” New York City calls it “Supervised Release,” while other regions label it “Community Corrections.”
No matter how pretty the bow they wrap it in, the underlying issue is a colossal failure of accountability to the law-abiding citizens who deserve better.
By the way the people who are responsible to track these individuals clock in from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., no holidays, no weekends.
Here’s a reality check: offenders don’t tend to breach their release conditions during regular business hours.
This fact seems lost on those orchestrating these so-called reforms.
Moreover, the staff members overseeing these programs lack the authority to make arrests.
So, when offenders decide to skip town on a weekend, no one is available or has the authority to take immediate, corrective action.
Typically, they report the violation on the following business day.
Is this truly an effective way to protect victims of crime?
Unfortunately, no one in government seems willing to engage in that dialogue, despite this writer’s persistent attempts to raise the issue.
Instead, they often choose to belittle my profession — yes, this writer is a bail agent — who takes pride in the crucial role she plays in the criminal justice system.
And let me remind you, my work is tax-free for you.
My colleagues and I work diligently, often under the cover of night, to locate and apprehend fugitives who evade justice.
In a time when crime rates are skyrocketing and moral integrity is in decline, our work is more vital than ever.
This isn’t a glamorous job; it’s a necessary one.
With three decades of experience operating in New York City, this writer has amassed a wealth of knowledge in this field.
Let me tell you, criminal offenders are not deterred by whimsical programs funded by unsuspecting taxpayers; they find amusement in them.
However, when their family members — grandmothers, aunts, and mothers — get involved, the humor quickly dissipates. That defines the difference between secured release and unsecured release.
Offenders released on a simple signature, as seen in Chicago, know there’s little oversight.
They’re far more intimidated by a family member who signed for their release than by the ineffective policies of a distant government.
It’s time to put an end to this insanity!
Now that Jan. 20 has passed, perhaps we’ll see a shift in focus.
I hope that the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) will consider meeting with “The Bail Bond Queen,” as it’s essential for them to recognize that this misguided, Soros-funded agenda is being driven by their own political factions.
For instance, last year, Republican controlled Alabama nearly fell into the trap of these left-leaning reforms.
I’ve been watching the developments closely, and I will continue to hold lawmakers accountable. You can’t change the bail system, endangering the public on their dime and expect me to remain silent; it’s my mission to expose these troubling trends and the politicians that support them.
I will ensure that our concerns reach President Donald Trump.
I urge all of you to be cautious about your politically funded careers.
I refuse to idly stand by while you dismantle the accountability mechanisms for criminal offenders when I know that we are the best at doing this job and taxpayer dollars should be better spent.
Let’s redirect those taxpayer dollars toward meaningful initiatives — creating new parks for children in underserved communities, supporting programs for the elderly, enhancing educational institutions, improving infrastructure, and funding mental health services for children lingering in foster care.
There are countless constructive ways to utilize taxpayer money; criminal offender release is not one of them.
It’s time for a serious reevaluation of the government’s approach to criminal justice and the funding of offender release programs.
The lack of accountability and the disregard for victims can’t continue.
We must advocate for a system that prioritizes the well-being of law-abiding citizens, ensuring that our hard-earned tax dollars are spent wisely.
Together, we can end this government funded nightmare and work toward a safer and more just society.
Michelle Esquenazi is the President of The National Association of Bail Agents, the President of the NYS Bail Association, the CEO of Empire Bail Bonds and Founder of The Victims Rights Reform Council.
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