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A police chief and a young man who watched his father get arrested may seem unlikely allies, but our shared experiences have united us with a common purpose. One of us recently returned to lead the Albany Police Department, and the other was just 8 years old when he saw his father handcuffed in front of him. Today, we stand united in urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the Child-Sensitive Arrest Bill, which is now awaiting her signature.
This bill addresses the trauma children endure when they witness a parent being arrested, equipping law enforcement with clear guidelines, tools and training to reduce this harm. While it may be hard to imagine the stress, fear and confusion a child feels at this moment, these situations are far too common. Thousands of children across the state are present during the arrest of a parent each year for non-child-related reasons, which could include anything from shoplifting to a suspended license. Without a thoughtful approach, these encounters can leave deep emotional scars and foster a lasting distrust........