New York Chiefs Carry Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Message to State Legislature

Speaking before a joint Senate and Assembly Budget Hearing in Albany, a panel of New York police chiefs urged the Legislature to invest in programs that give kids the right start in life as a way to prevent crime. Representing the State Association of Chiefs of Police and Fight Crime: Invest in Kids New York were President John Grebert of the Town of Colonie, 1st Vice President Jim Russo from Hempstead and Commissioner Jack Nielsen from Albany.

John Grebert, who also serves as State Co-Chair for Fight Crime in New York, summed it up for the panel of legislators when he said, "Our message is simple. We believe in tough law enforcement and punishment, but we know we can¹t just arrest and imprison our way out of the crime problem." Each speaker presented evidence showing that after-school programs, quality child care, pre-kindergarten and child abuse prevention efforts have been proven to keep kids from becoming criminals.

Fight Crime: Invest in Kids is a non partisan anti-crime organization led by police chiefs, sheriffs, district attorneys and victims of violence. There are currently more than 1100 members nationwide and 114 in New York. For more information visit Fight Crime Invest In Kids Web Site