Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck has reported a concerning rise in the use of force by deputies, attributing the increase to the impact of state laws on bail reform and solitary confinement.
According to Schenck, the number of force incidents has notably risen in both patrol and jail settings over the past four years, with a significant spike observed in 2022 and 2023.
The sheriff shared these statistics during a recent Cayuga County Legislature meeting highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing confrontations and maintaining safety.
The sheriff links the increase in force to the state’s bail reform law, suggesting that it has encouraged resistance against police officers. This law, effective from 2020, aims to eliminate cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, but Schenck argues it has unintended consequences for law enforcement interactions.
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