Retired New York prison superintendent Stephen Dalsheim recently cautioned legislators about re-instating the death penalty, noting his concerns about innocence and the toll executions take on prison employees. “You know, as I grow older, I realize maybe we can get beyond vengeance,” Dalsheim said. “The death penalty is fraught with the possibility that you could execute an innocent man. Who could live with that?” Dalsheim testified before a panel of state lawmakers considering whether to try to fix New York’s death penalty. The state law was declared unconstitutional in 2004.

Dalsheim said his opposition was based on his personal experiences with those on death row and those who guard and execute them, including two former executioners who committed suicide after many years of such duty. He stated, “There was this big old-line committed officer, a well-liked fellow, and he oversaw the executions. Afterwards, he’d get very, very drunk and not come in for several days. It’s terrible, terrible — I get very emotional thinking about it. I certainly don’t like terrorism or murder but there has to be a better way than putting men to death.” (Washington Post, February 12, 2005). See New Voices.