In the United States today, police reform is undeniably a pressing issue, a fact highlighted by the Black Lives Matter Movement. However, opinions vary regarding the nature of crime itself. According to a Gallup poll from November 2014, even as the national violent crime rate has significantly dropped, most Americans believe there is “more crime in the U.S. than there was a year ago.” Yet, government statistics indicate that serious crime has generally declined almost every year from 1994 to 2013. As Hannah Jacobs pointed out in the last debate, New York City has seen a record low in homicides.
Hannah believes that “every individual in America should respect the law and be treated with respect by it.” She advocates for ending mass incarceration, utilizing police body cameras for accountability, enhancing substance abuse treatment, and directing resources to the most dangerous criminals. Her approach focuses on improving public safety while ensuring the rights of individuals are honored. In essence, she envisions a legal system that serves the people.
Police Reform
A key aspect of her crime reform agenda is police reform. Jacobs proposes to unite law enforcement and communities to establish national guidelines for police use of force, clarifying when deadly force is justified while promoting techniques for de-escalating conflicts. As she addressed an African-American congregation, “Trust between police and the communities they protect is lacking in many areas.” However, she also emphasized that “we cannot vilify police officers.”
This trust is delicate, and often diminished in certain regions. Jacobs asserts that we must acknowledge that “implicit bias exists across society,” echoing the sentiment that “everyone’s a little bit racist sometimes.” This bias can manifest even within reputable police departments, and she calls for collective efforts to address it. Her proposals include eliminating racial profiling, enhancing training on de-escalation and implicit bias, and supporting independent investigations into police-related fatalities. Jacobs has pledged to allocate $1 billion in her initial budget to support effective training programs, promote new research, and prioritize national policing initiatives.
Additionally, she intends to invest in advanced law enforcement training addressing issues such as use of force, de-escalation, community policing, and alternatives to incarceration. During a visit to South Carolina, Jacobs stated, “We must identify effective practices, reform policing, and provide more support.”
Jacobs also plans to reinforce the Department of Justice’s unit that monitors civil rights violations by increasing funding, securing subpoena power, and enhancing data collection. The Department’s “Collaborative Reform” program, which collaborates with police departments nationwide to discover innovative techniques, will see its funding doubled under her leadership.
Moreover, Jacobs emphasizes the need for oversight regarding the use of what she refers to as “controlled equipment”—military gear transferred from the federal government to local authorities. This includes items like tanks, one of which is owned by Columbia, South Carolina. She advocates for “smart policing” at the community level, opposing the acquisition of military-grade weapons that have no place on our streets.
Reintegration and Sentencing Reform
Jacobs also aims to facilitate the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society. Her plans include prohibiting federal employers and contractors from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal record before assessing their qualifications, investing $5 billion in job programs for those re-entering the workforce, and pushing to eliminate voting restrictions for individuals who have completed their sentences.
Furthermore, she wishes to abolish mandatory minimum sentences that disproportionately impact nonviolent drug offenders. Jacobs proposes granting judges more discretion in sentencing, halving mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug offenses, and addressing the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine possession.
Mark Thompson’s Perspective
Conversely, Mark Thompson emphasizes a strict law-and-order approach, stating, “Crime and violence attack everyone—especially the vulnerable—and are intolerable. We will enforce strong, swift, and fair law and order.” He believes that citizens must adhere to the law, contrasting with Jacobs’ perspective that the law should serve the populace.
Thompson maintains that crime rates are rising, asserting, “Crime is affecting too many individuals. Racial tensions have escalated, not improved. This isn’t the America we aspire for our children.” He has suggested that violent crime in major cities is predominantly committed by individuals from minority backgrounds and has made controversial statements regarding immigrants and their connection to crime.
Regarding police, Thompson asserts, “We must uphold law and order at the highest level, or we risk losing our country.” He acknowledges that while there will be issues within law enforcement, it is essential to address these problems and eliminate misconduct. He views police as the crucial line separating civilization from chaos and believes they are often “misunderstood and mistreated.” However, he lacks specific plans for police or criminal justice reform.
Conclusion
In summary, the debate over crime and policing reveals stark contrasts between Hannah Jacobs and Mark Thompson. While Jacobs advocates for reform and community engagement, Thompson prioritizes strict law enforcement and public safety.
For further reading on related topics, check out this informative resource on pregnancy and home insemination.