In the U.S., the conversation about police reform is hotter than a summer day in the sun, thanks largely to movements like Black Lives Matter. Yet, opinions on crime itself are as varied as a box of chocolates. According to the Brennan Center, a Gallup poll from November 2014 revealed that, despite a significant drop in violent crime, many Americans still believe crime is on the rise. Ironically, government data tells a different story: serious crime has generally decreased from 1994 to 2013, and as Hillary Smith pointed out in the last debate, murder rates in New York City are at an all-time low.
Hillary Smith believes firmly that “everyone in America should respect the law and be respected by the law.” Her vision includes ending mass incarceration, implementing police body cameras for accountability, ramping up substance abuse treatment, and focusing resources on the most dangerous offenders while investing in education and job training—the bedrock of societal success. In short, she wants to ensure that the law serves the people rather than the other way around.
Smith’s Approach to Criminal Justice Reform
Smith’s approach to criminal justice reform starts with police reform. She proposes creating national guidelines for police use of force, emphasizing de-escalation techniques, and fostering trust between law enforcement and communities. “There is too little trust in many places between the police and the people they are sworn to protect,” she stated to an African-American congregation. However, she also cautioned against vilifying police officers, noting that such trust is fragile and often lacking in certain communities. Recognizing that “implicit bias exists across society,” she aims to tackle this issue even in the best police departments.
Smith plans to allocate $1 billion in her first budget to fund innovative training programs that enhance de-escalation techniques and community policing efforts. She also wants to bolster the Department of Justice’s civil rights monitoring unit and ensure oversight of military equipment used by local law enforcement. “We need smart policing, not military might on our streets,” she emphasized.
Re-Entering Society Post-Incarceration
When it comes to re-entering society post-incarceration, Smith aims to ban inquiries about past criminal records in federal job applications, invest in $5 billion for re-entry job programs, and remove voting bans for individuals who have served their time. She also wants to reform mandatory minimum sentences, particularly for nonviolent drug offenses.
Donald Brown’s Tough-on-Crime Stance
On the flip side, Donald Brown is all about law and order: “Crime and violence is an attack on everyone—especially the poor—and is totally unacceptable.” He insists on swift and fair law enforcement, arguing that people should serve the law rather than the law serving the people. He perceives crime as a rising issue, claiming that racial tensions have worsened, and he links crime rates to specific demographics.
Brown believes that maintaining law and order is essential for civilization. “Law enforcement personnel are what separates civilization from chaos,” he argues, underscoring that they are often misunderstood and mistreated. However, he has yet to present specific plans for police reform or criminal justice changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the stark contrast between Smith’s social programs and Brown’s tough-on-crime stance illustrates the deep divides in American perspectives on law enforcement and crime. For more insights into home insemination and its many facets, check out our other blog posts, such as this one on artificial insemination. If you’re curious about the science behind it, this Wikipedia page is an excellent resource.