Monroe County Sheriff Lies About Bail Reform

The Monroe County Sheriff attempted to tie bail reform to a recent rise in shootings without supportive data. This increase is occurring in jurisdictions across the country and is not tied to bail reform.

Fact Check: False, Fearmongering

The Briefing

On Monday, Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter falsely claimed bail reform has led to an increase in shootings and other crimes in his jurisdiction.  

Sheriff Todd Baxter has repeated a thoroughly discredited claim that bail reform leads to a rise in crime, exploiting legitimate safety concerns to push for more jailing despite clear facts against this stance. Importantly, the data that the Sheriff claims undermines bail reform coincides with the arrival of COVID-19 and its attendant widespread devastation, destabilization and trauma, leading to nationwide increases in instances of gun violence. Just yesterday, the C.D.C issued a report on surging nation-wide gun deaths in the pandemic’s first year. This increase is not tied to bail reform, but is occurring in jurisdictions across the country. And as the Sheriff ought to know, bail reform did not change the law as it relates to gun charges.

NYPD, Media Outlets Cruelly Dehumanize Man, Fearmonger About Bail Reform

Study finds more proof bail reform works

Leaders, media falsely link Times Square assault to bail reform

NY Post, Manhattan Institute Lie To New Yorkers About Discovery Reform

Report Finds Media Coverage Of Pretrial Reform Fell Short

Lawmaker's Plan To Reduce Car Thefts Another Example of Failed Carceral Mindset

News Nation Falsely Ties Tragic Death To Bail Reform

Law Enforcement, Elected Officials Criticize Due Process

Law Enforcement, News Story Mislead New Yorkers About Discovery Reform