NEW YORK — New Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is responding to criticism that he is weakening his stance on crime.

Bragg wrote in a memo last week that there would be fewer instances where prosecutors would seek sentences with prison time.

He addressed the memo and the backlash it's received during an appearance on "Mornings On 1" Monday.

"The number one civil right is to walk safely in your neighborhood. I've lived in a neighborhood beset with crime my entire life, so I know the challenges of public safety. And we're going to prioritize that at every turn," said Bragg. "For those who don't know me, I've been a prosecutor for 20 years, and I've focused on public safety and we're going to continue to do that."

Bragg's new policies also include solutions besides incarceration, locking up fewer defendants before trials, and focusing on accountability.

He also suggests the city reduce the number of children and teens in adult court, and offer more support for those trying to re-enter society.