Another Justice Failure: Chronic Perp’s Free Pass

Mayor Adams correctly fumed over the shootout death of Rameek Smith that occurred while he was released on bail and participating in the Brooklyn Mental Health Court (“Free to shoot cop,” May 12).

Smith’s alleged mental illnesses, however, did not curb his acquisition of an illegal gun after pleading guilty and while awaiting sentencing.

This case should prompt a thorough forensic audit of the Mental Health Courts to tighten eligibility and remand violent defendants.

That Smith refused to renounce a life of crime powerfully demonstrates he played the court system masterfully. What discernible good did the resources and efforts of those in the Mental Health Court achieve? Roger Bennet Adler

Manhattan

A career criminal shot a cop. The suspect, Rameek Smith, died in the shootout.

I find this appalling and quite disturbing. Smith had been arrested numerous

times — including for weapons possession.

I really don’t understand why this man was allowed to be on the streets. The state Legislature should pass stronger bail laws.

Adams is right that there is a failure to punish those with illegal guns. This has to stop. Frederick Bedell

Queens

In New York City, crime is out of control with NYPD officers being assaulted, stabbed, shot

and killed while performing their duties. This, all while trying to protect innocent citizens from criminals.

Gov. Hochul should step in to help the NYPD by getting the state Legislature to rewrite the laws and allow courts to keep serious lawbreakers in jail, instead of releasing them the same day to commit more crimes.

Of course, she’s focusing on the issue of abortion, but the real problem right now is crime. We need to ensure NYPD officers can perform their job. Joseph Comperchio

Brooklyn

Rameek Smith, the thug who wounded Officer Dennis Vargas in a Bronx shootout before being killed, was, according to his girlfriend’s godmother, “a gangster, but he was sweet.”

Right. And Adolph Eichmann was a Nazi, but he loved Jews.

Barry Koppel Kew Gardens Hills

THE ISSUE: A man who injured an officer in a shootout while he was out on bail for another crime. Rameek Smith