Since 2020, many major U.S. cities have embraced radical criminal justice reform policies aimed at taking a more lenient stance on certain crimes. An unintended consequence of this approach was a significant surge in crime that left residents feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods.
Law-abiding citizens grew weary of rampant property crime, violence, and open-air drug markets disrupting public spaces. Quality of life languished as petty offenses proliferated unchecked. Even more disturbing, rates of serious felonies like assault, robbery, and homicide spiked in cities that pursued the most extreme decriminalization measures.
Law enforcement found themselves demoralized and hamstrung, lacking sufficient resources and legal mechanisms to combat the crime waves. Police widely reported that emboldened criminals showed diminishing respect for authority due to lack of accountability.
In cities across America, law-abiding citizens and law enforcement alike have demanded a change, and elected officials have started to listen. March has been a very successful month for common-sense criminal justice. Here are some of the most positive changes that have affected some of the cities worst effected by the recent crime wave:
- San Francisco
- Voters approved a ballot measure that would allow police to invest in better technologies and more easily engage in vehicular pursuits.
- Voters approved a ballot measure that would allow police to invest in better technologies and more easily engage in vehicular pursuits.
- New York City:
- Governor Kathy Hochul deployed hundreds of National Guard troops to address subway crime.
- Governor Kathy Hochul deployed hundreds of National Guard troops to address subway crime.
- Portland:
- The state of Oregon re-criminalized possession of drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl. This move comes three years after the state became the first to decriminalize drug possession for personal use; leading to open-air drug use and spikes in crime in cities like Portland.
- The state of Oregon re-criminalized possession of drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl. This move comes three years after the state became the first to decriminalize drug possession for personal use; leading to open-air drug use and spikes in crime in cities like Portland.
- Washington, D.C.:
- Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the Secure DC Crime Bill, which increased penalties for thefts and gun crimes along with other measures. ‘
While not a cure-all, these policy shifts signal cities are course-correcting from misguided progressive policies that have led to a decline in law and order. Equipping police with more tools and establishing stiffer penalties for offenders will ensure safer streets in cities throughout America. Citizens deserve to feel secure in their communities without fearing becoming victims. Restoring public safety creates an environment where families, businesses and neighborhoods can thrive.
