Morning News Briefing
Written by Michael Baldwin on April 2, 2021
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the New York State Police has deployed its first body-worn cameras as the agency’s new program begins its statewide rollout. The requirement for Troopers to wear body-worn cameras is the result of legislation that was signed into law last June. The body-worn cameras will be worn by uniform members at the rank of Trooper while they are on patrol. The first cameras will be deployed in the Capital Region. The expansion will reach this area throughout the summer and fall. State Police Field Commander Colonel Steven A. Nigrelli said under the law, the cameras will automatically start recording whenever a patrol vehicle’s emergency lighting is activated, and anytime a member unholsters his or her firearm or taser.
Court action continues in the case of a Bergen man who was killed after his vehicle was struck by a garbage truck February 3rd in the town of Gates. 63-year-old Paul Laudico sustained a fatal injury. In Gates court this week, 31-year-old Jerry Moore entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of criminally negligent homicide. Police allege Moore was watching a cellphone video while driving when the crash occurred.
National restaurant chain Chipotle has its eye on Towne Center at Batavia for a new location according to a special use permit application filed on its behalf by COR Development Company, owners of the plaza. The building is the former location of Metro Mattress in the same structure as Game Stop and Five Guys. If approved, the location would be modified to include a drive-thru and outdoor seating. The application for a special use permit and site plan review will be heard this month by the County Planning Board before being sent to the Town of Batavia Planning Board.
Legislation has been signed into law in Albany, reforming the practice of solitary confinement in New York State correctional facilities. This legislation limits the amount of time an incarcerated person can spend in segregated confinement to 15 days, clearly defines and reduces the number of disciplinary infractions eligible for segregated confinement, and exempts certain vulnerable populations, including the young, elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and individuals with a serious mental illness.
Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt, along with members of the Senate Republican Conference, called for an end to dangerous and extreme pro-criminal, anti-police policies and rhetoric being driven as a result of One-Party rule in Albany. Ortt said a convicted cop killer, has been appointed to sit on one of Governor Cuomo’s “police reform” boards in Ithaca. The senator says allowing a cop killer to have the authority to provide public safety policy advice and to “reimagine” police departments is unimaginable.
Genesee County reports ten new positive cases of COVID-19. Twenty-one of the previous positive individuals have recovered and have been removed from the isolation list. Seven of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. From Orleans County…eight new positive cases were confirmed Thursday. Five of the current positive individuals are hospitalized. In Wyoming County, just five new cases were reported. Officials also reported one additional virus-related death. Thirty-seven residents remain in mandatory isolation. Overall, the region has experienced a slow decline in COVID cases.
As New York enters its second day of the new state fiscal year, it does so without benefit of a new budget. The spending plan way due Thursday, but the day came and went with little action. A budget spokesperson said negotiations are continuing. GOP leaders say they have been shut out from the negotiations. Several sticking points remain and talks will most likely continue into next week.
