A woman arrested 20 times in a year is the face of a broken system, according to The Times of Wayne County. Law enforcement leaders say New York’s Centralized Arraignment Court (CAP) setup — designed to streamline justice — has backfired, creating a costly cycle of catch-and-release.
CAP Courts limit local judges’ discretion and push for leniency, often releasing defendants without bail. With prosecutors underfunded and defense always present, police are left chasing down repeat offenders who skip court, eroding morale and draining resources.
Judges must use the “least restrictive” option, and failing to appear in court isn’t a chargeable offense — only a factor for bail. Police and prosecutors across the county are calling for reforms, warning the system is undermining public trust and safety.
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