CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
The “War on Drugs” and expansion of mandatory minimum sentencing over the past few decades have created a culture of incarceration without regard for the long-term consequences to society. Additionally, relations between police and citizens have deteriorated due to a lack of mutual trust and respect. We need to continue to punish criminals for their actions, while targeting criminal justice reforms to bring fairness and logic back to incarceration.
The United States incarcerates more people than any other country in the world, with a fivefold increase since 1975. Through criminal justice reform, we can reduce the prison population of certain non-violent criminals and decrease the number of repeat offenders. This will lead to reduced costs for federal / state / local governments because of a smaller prison population, and a better chance for non-violent criminals and ex-convicts to become productive, tax-paying members of society.
Law enforcement officers deserve our full respect and admiration for their dedication and the sacrifices they are willing to make to protect our communities. In certain high-crime areas, we need to add to the number of police and the amount of resources at their disposal so that police are better equipped to fight crime. We can also attempt to institute programs that better integrate police within their communities so that the bonds of trust grow between the police and community members. In addition, instituting programs that promote more accountability for police will result in citizens who better trust the police and ensure that police are held responsible for any abuses of power that may occur from time to time. Providing increased resources and training to police, while promoting programs of officer accountability encourages respect and cooperation between citizens and law enforcement.
Criminal justice reform should focus on the following items:
Reform mandatory minimum sentencing laws.
Expand re-entry and job training programs for ex-convicts.
Decriminalize marijuana use and eliminate the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine.
For non-violent drug users, focus on drug rehabilitation instead of incarceration.
Support access to educational and vocational training in prison.
Expand the number of police and the resources available to them in high-crime areas.
Allow ex-convicts the right to vote.
Better training for police and additional programs that encourage more interaction with police and citizens within their community.
Federal and state funding for body cameras on police.