Governor Mike Kehoe of Missouri, having gained his new role, wasted no time in declaring orders directed towards addressing crime, within mere minutes of his official swearing in on Monday. This move is indicative of a widespread change in the political climate. Following a time when softer sentencing laws were the norm, a more stringent stance towards crime is returning to favour across the United States. A fresh wave of legislating is currently occurring in state capitals across the country, with lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties advocating for new anti-crime endeavors.
This shift in focus is a reaction to the recent elections where numerous states endorsed stricter penalties for various criminal offences through ballot measures. These concerned a spectrum of crimes, from petty shoplifting to severe drug-related crimes. Governor Kehoe, a member of the Republican Party who enjoyed a comfortable election victory, took the oath of office at noon. Shortly thereafter, he announced the issue of a series of orders intended to enhance the state’s response to crime.
Governor Kehoe’s directives included measures such as boosting the salaries of long-serving state law enforcement officers, providing them with additional training to aid federal immigration authorities, and establishing procedures for the capture of dangerous fugitives. He also initiated the collection of immigration status data on individuals facing criminal charges. His actions stem from the understanding that many residents of Missouri are constantly battling fear and the increasing public safety concerns.
In Governor Kehoe’s words, too many citizens are living in fear, which obstructs their productivity and their chances of prosperity. This sentiment echoes the sentiments of other states where efforts to combat crime and those to crack down on illegal immigration are deeply intertwined. Numerous states are considering severe penalties for trafficking activities related to fentanyl. This synthetic opioid is responsible for causing thousands of overdose deaths on an annual basis throughout America.
These policies extend beyond traditional anti-immigration and anti-drug efforts. Additionally, various states are considering stricter sentencing laws regarding heinous crimes such as violent offences, retail theft rings, and those involving sexual exploitation of minors. One such example can be found in Maryland where lawmakers are proposing a bill enabling felony charges against all individuals involved in a group theft, should the total stolen amount exceed $1,500, regardless of the individual’s portion of the theft.
Many feel that criminals have become more audacious due to lenient penalties, often getting away with mere warnings. The call for stronger laws also extends to drug-related crimes. For instance, in Utah, a bill is being contemplated that imposes stiffer penalties for dealing in large quantities of illicit fentanyl, as compared to other illicit drugs, such as heroin, and methamphetamine.
Reflecting on previous policies, both the federal government and numerous states have reversed harsher penalty impositions on crack cocaine as compared to powder cocaine. These laws, dating back to the 1980s, were heavily criticized for their distinct impact on minority communities. Fentanyl, on the other hand, is seen as nearly terroristic due to the sheer volume of fatalities it causes.
It is noteworthy that crime rates surged amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a recent decline in rates for many types of violent and property crimes, rates for misdemeanors such as shoplifting continue to exceed pre-pandemic levels. Simultaneously, public perception of safety has not necessarily moved in tandem with these statistics, contributing to placing the issue of crime high on the electoral agenda.
The November elections in California are evidence of this situation, with voters overwhelmingly supporting measures to upgrade shoplifting to a felony for repeat offenders and increasing penalties related to some drug offences. A similar scenario played out in Colorado where voters chose to extend prison time before parole eligibility is considered for certain types of crimes.
Arizona has voted in favor of harsher punishments for selling deadly fentanyl and ensuring life imprisonment for certain child sex trafficking offenses. In a somewhat surprising turn of events, other states have begun to rethink their stance on sentencing laws, just a few years after these laws were relaxed. Stricter rules are being implemented again, particularly for drug dealing in areas like parks.
Stiffer punishments for fentanyl-related crimes and carjacking, elimination of parole possibilities for most criminals, and overturning previously lenient sentencing laws passed just a handful of years ago are some of the legislative shakeups we’ve seen in the past year. For instance, lawmakers in 2014 had overhauled the state’s criminal laws to reduce prison terms for some nonviolent drug offenders.
In 2019, an added legislation provided the chance for early release to hundreds of convicts. However, this year, lawmakers appear to be favoring the passage of several sterner laws on crime. Among the primary targets are fentanyl trafficking, stunt driving, retail theft, rioting, and resistance to arrest.
Certain proposed measures are even pushing to recruit more law enforcement personnel. As stated by the House Speaker on the legislature’s opening day, violence and crime are ripping many families apart. Nothing, he adds, is more detrimental to the growth of the state than criminals who roam the streets with scant regard for the potential punishments they face.
Across the nation, the issue of crime remains at the forefront of the political conversation. For policymakers, the challenge will be in striking a balance between being tough on crime while ensuring that measures do not unfairly target certain communities or exacerbate the problems that they seek to address.
In an ever-evolving social and political landscape, the necessity of maintaining public safety and trust remains a key priority. The recent surge in anti-crime initiatives demonstrates the shifting focus of lawmakers who are now striving to regain the confidence of an increasingly concerned electorate.