DV Journal

The 2024 election delivered a clear and resounding message: Americans demand public safety be restored and criminals be held accountable.

In addition to Republicans sweeping Congress, reclaiming the presidency and holding the state legislative majorities, voters approved critical criminal justice ballot measures like California’s Prop 36, Colorado’s Prop 128, and Arizona’s Prop 314 that take a hard line on public safety.

Voters communicated that they want to shift back to policies that value law and order and reject policies prioritizing leniency over safety. In the future, lawmakers must listen to the concerns of their constituents and, regardless of ideology, implement policies overwhelmingly supported by voters.

For the last several years, reactionary policies have dominated criminal justice discussions. Supporters of these measures said they would promote equity and reduce incarceration rates. Yet, the results often painted a different picture. Cities like San Francisco and Chicago became symbols of rising retail theft, violent crime and a deteriorating sense of safety. Public frustration with these outcomes was palpable, and voters were straightforward about the change they wanted.

The success of California’s Prop 36 — increasing penalties for particular theft and drug crimes — underscores this demand. Even in a deeply liberal state, voters recognized that overly permissive policies had emboldened criminals.

Similarly, Colorado’s Prop 128 gives more resources to combat organized crime and drug trafficking. Arizona’s Prop 314 implements stricter measures for parole eligibility and reflects a growing consensus: criminal accountability is non-negotiable.

While critics may see these measures as a return to outdated tough-on-crime policies, they do not have to abandon the GOP’s commitment to limited, effective government and fiscal conservatism.

In fact, Republicans — especially in statehouses — are positioned to demonstrate that effective criminal justice system changes need not sacrifice their core values.

One of the hallmarks of Republican governance is fiscal responsibility. Tough-on-crime policies often face criticism for being costly, particularly when they lead to swelling prison populations. However, a smart approach to criminal justice change aligns perfectly with conservative values. 

Colorado’s Prop 128 is an example of this principle in action. By channeling funds toward combating organized crime and the opioid epidemic, the state can address pressing issues without resorting to overly broad punitive measures.

As crime is dealt with more so at the state and local level, leaders can champion policies that target violent offenders and organized crime networks without endorsing policies that fill prisons unnecessarily. This approach is tough and smart, emphasizing accountability while addressing systemic inefficiencies. 

The recently passed Oklahoma Survivors Act is an excellent example. It will reduce sentences for people with domestic violence convictions that stemmed from their abuse.

At the heart of criminal justice initiatives is the need to support victims of crime. For too long, policies that prioritize the rights of offenders over victims have eroded public trust in the system. Republicans can correct this imbalance by ensuring victims have a voice in the justice process and expanding resources for crime prevention. Arizona’s Prop 314, which limits parole for certain offenses, aligns with this vision. By ensuring that dangerous offenders serve their sentences, the measure prioritizes victims’ safety. It sends a clear message that justice will be served.

In recent years, one of the toughest challenges has been declining public trust in the criminal justice system. Perceived leniency toward offenders, coupled with rising crime rates and the public’s perception of dangerousness, has left many Americans feeling unsafe and disillusioned. Republicans can restore faith in the system by enforcing laws consistently and transparently, reducing case backlogs and improving court efficiency, and focusing on data-driven policies that deliver real results instead of relying on ideological experiments.

The American criminal justice system is at an inflection point. The public is demanding policies that protect their communities, hold serious and violent offenders accountable, and restore balance to the system. Republicans can lead with policies that are smart on crime, are fiscally responsible, and are focused on victims and public safety.

(From a press release)

Rep. Craig Williams (R-Delaware/Chester) is pleased to announce that several vital public safety and infrastructure projects in Delaware and Chester Counties were awarded funding through the Local Share Account (LSA) grant program. The grants, issued by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA), will support essential initiatives to improve public spaces, preserve historical landmarks and enhance environmental infrastructure in the region.

“These projects reflect a shared commitment to preserving our local heritage, protecting the environment and providing our communities with the infrastructure they need to thrive,” said Williams. “I’m proud to see state support in the preservation and utilization of open space in our community. And I am very grateful to see another investment in the safety infrastructure for Cheney University, and I will be fighting for more funding for upgrades to our local historic university.”

The projects awarded funding include:

Chadds Ford Township – Historic Preservation and Land Conservation

Chadds Ford Township was awarded $200,000 for the purchase and conservation of a 15+ acre parcel of land. The property includes the historic Joseph Davis House (c.1770) and a barn that once served as the art studio of renowned artist N.C. Wyeth. This property, which also holds significance as a priority I, Class A site in the Battle of Brandywine, will be preserved for public recreation and education, allowing future generations to appreciate its historical and natural resources. The land will be managed by the North American Land Trust to ensure public access and conservation.

Chester Heights Borough – Public Recreation Space Acquisition

Chester Heights Borough was awarded $260,000 to acquire 40 acres of undeveloped land for public recreation. As the borough’s population has grown by 385% since 1970, the park system has struggled to keep up. This new park will offer residents and neighboring communities trails through diverse landscapes of woods, meadows and streams, providing much-needed outdoor space for the growing population.

Concord Township – Central Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrades

Concord Township will receive $300,000 for upgrades to the Central Sewage Treatment Plant. This project involves the addition of a protective cover on the post-aeration tank to prevent algae blooms, improve water quality and enhance the efficiency of the plant. These upgrades will help the township meet environmental regulations and reduce the need for frequent, costly tank cleaning, ultimately benefiting local residents and the environment.

Chester County – Heritage Tourism and Wayfinding Kiosks

Chester County was awarded $667,080 to develop and install 19 digital heritage tourism and wayfinding kiosks throughout the county. This project will expand on the existing three kiosks, creating a more cohesive experience for visitors and residents as they explore the region’s battlefields, heritage sites, and main streets, all of which played significant roles during the American Revolutionary War. The kiosks will offer virtual exploration, provide directions, and share other useful information, allowing for a more integrated and informative visitor experience. LSA funds will be used for the purchase and installation of the kiosks, as well as professional services and administrative costs.

When the Jenkintown Borough Council floated the idea of getting out of the local police business and outsourcing it to nearby communities, residents angrily rejected it. So, instead of a local solution, the borough is turning to the state.

At its workshop meeting Wednesday night, the council voted to send a letter of intent to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) asking the state to study its emergency services, police, fire, and emergency management and make recommendations on how to reduce costs.

The council is expected to vote to approve the letter again at its action meeting on May 22.

In February, more than 200 residents turned out after Police Chief Thomas Scott suggested the borough outsource its police department to Abington or Cheltenham. Most of the residents were vociferously against the idea and yard signs supporting the Jenkintown Police have popped up around the small borough.

Paying for police costs the borough $2.5 million a year, about half its $5.1 million annual budget. Rising costs mean higher taxes, and borough officials are looking for another solution.

“We have to find a way to control these costs,” Borough Manager George Locke told DVJournal after the meeting. And unlike a private consultant, the state’s review of the borough’s books is free.

Still, not everyone is happy about turning to Harrisburg for help.

During public comment, a resident asked why the borough was asking for assistance from “a pro-regionalization” entity. She said she had obtained emails through a right-to-know request showing Abington officials were not interested in providing police services to Jenkintown.

“Why is this still even being discussed?” she asked.

Locke said later he did not know what she was talking about since they had “never negotiated with any other municipality.”

Scott said the division of the DCED they are petitioning for help, the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services, will provide experts from various areas of public safety, finance, and legal issues. They will analyze the borough’s current situation and make recommendations.

“They will present a plan and help present it to the public,” said Scott.

In a follow-up email to DVJournal, Locke said the top priority is addressing the expense of providing police services. “What we are requesting is the police cost-benefit analysis and police management assistance. The other opportunities named [in the request] are areas that the borough and state are dealing with long term: planning of operations, and funding for all other public safety that is provided by the borough such as EMS, fire departments and emergency management.”

“The borough just having enacted a tax millage for an agreement with the Second Alarmers EMS services, has provided a solution to a difficult issue providing that service and how to fund that long term or if that is the best solution will have to be examined,” Locke added.

Council began the Fund 10 Ambulance Fund in 2023, with millage set at .050 mills, which, in the 2024 budget, equates to $13,451, said Locke.

“The fire companies have just completed a merger and the borough is overcoming a $1.2 million purchase of a fire truck while performing research and planning for the purchase of what is currently proposed to be up to two more fire trucks and a service vehicle for the fire department over the next few years. Emergency Management had been next to non-existent other than by name prior to COVID and Chief Scott coming onboard [in 2022], so a lot of work is being done there.”

The borough is required by law to provide public safety services, Locke said.

“As we work to put together a sustainable long-term capital plan, we feel fortunate to be afforded these services through the DCED, especially at no cost, and we hope to utilize the assistance offered to increase our chances of having a successful plan for the borough.”

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Philadelphia Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker got it right when she chose Philadelphia Police Department Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel as the new police commissioner.

Parker has been a frequent guest on my show over the past 18 months or so, and several times, she told me she wanted someone as commissioner who could find “Broad and Spring Garden without using a GPS.” She wanted someone who knew the DNA of Philadelphia and the police department. She also wanted a data-driven person to proactively prevent crime.

Former Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams said that when he, former Mayor Michael Nutter, and former Police Commissioner Ramsey worked together to make Philadelphia a safe city, Bethel was the point person. Bethel suggested and executed strategies to fit their master plan. Williams commended Bethel’s emotional intelligence and agreed with me about how Bethel would engage with Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, who we both view as a major obstacle to Philadelphia’s safety.

I think Bethel gave us a clue to his plan in his opening news conference. He diplomatically said he looked forward to working with Krasner but then pivoted to saying that he would enforce all laws and consistently present the public with the records of arrests and police operations.

That tells me that Bethel, unlike former Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, will enforce and document police actions on things like shoplifting. Krasner famously issued a directive to his staff not to prosecute shoplifting crimes that were under $499.

As a result. police looked the other way for most shoplifting, and shop owners felt they just had to endure these crimes–or close up shop and leave Philadelphia.

Parker said she would challenge this $499 rule in her victory speech.

I was heartened by Bethel’s comments on the role of police.

“I can sit here and tell you, I ain’t gonna lock up a 10-year-old child for coming to school with a pair of scissors,” Bethel said. “But I also could tell you that I’m gonna lock up somebody who comes in a store and robs somebody with a gun. I am gonna talk about locking up somebody who sits there and kills people in our streets. We are gonna talk about that. I’m gonna talk about my mother-in-law, who’s scared to come out of her door. My mother-in -law has been in her home for 50 years, but scared to come out of her door. Why can she not sit on her step? So, we have a job to do as part of policing. Our job is to enforce the law.”

Bethel also has a record of treating police officers fairly while holding them accountable. My police sources vouch for him in this area.

So, Danielle Outlaw is gone, and Mayor Jim Kenney is down to around his last 30 days. I expect very good things from Parker and Bethel. I also don’t expect Krasner to change. I do think Bethel will challenge Krasner’s position regarding leniency for felons carrying firearms. Bethel will prove that the police are enforcing shoplifting laws and Krasner is not. I also hope Parker and Bethel can make the case in minority communities that Krasner is an impediment to safety.

And, arguments are being made this week before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to certify Krasner’s impeachment, which could lead to his possible removal with a trial in the Pennsylvania Senate.

Looking in my crystal ball, I see improvements in Philadelphia with a big battle ahead.