Does anyone have any info on why the prosecutor in Alden always "pleas" down the assaults against Correction Officers by inmates at the Erie County Correctional Facility? It always seems that the prosecutors want to drop any felony proceedings down to misdemeanors. If an inmate assaults a CO then they should face the toughest sanction possible. We're talking about CO's who are injured and some are out of work due to their injuries. I'd like to see the Town of Alden take a tough stance and go for the gusto, or hand the cases off to Erie County so they can press felony charges.
Alden seems to be a great community, but maybe no one is aware that they handle assault cases for the county penn. Many times those crims are let out and are given a token or bail gets posted and they attempt to walk home.
Does the Town Supervisor pick the prosecutors? Are the Judges likely to hand leaner or harsher sentences?