Progressive Prosecutors and the Inconvenient Democratic Will | Opinion

Progressive Prosecutors and the Inconvenient Democratic Will | Opinion

In The News

Progressive Prosecutors and the Inconvenient Democratic Will | Opinion

“Punishment is never fated to ‘succeed’ to any great degree.” A society that “intends to promote disciplined conduct and social control will concentrate not upon punishing offenders but upon socializing and integrating young citizens.”

Such was the optimistic expression of David Garland, the NYU professor who started the abolition of punishment movement back in 1990.

In the subsequent quarter century, however, the abolitionist agenda never moved beyond the radical elite. Then, in just the last few years, there came a strategic shift to demand only the abolition of prisons. The goal is to “build a more humane and democratic society that no longer relies on caging people to meet human needs and solve social problems.”

Progressive Prosecutors and the Inconvenient Democratic Will | Opinion

Creating a path forward to reduce juvenile crime in Memphis | Opinion

In The News

Creating a path forward to reduce juvenile crime in Memphis | Opinion

n February, Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis addressed the city council and told the story of an 11-year-old boy who had been arrested nine times and amassed 19 charges including multiple robbery, carjacking, and weapons charges. While this child may be particularly young, he is representative of a major issue facing Memphis – an increase in juvenile crime. 

In November of last year, the Memphis Shelby County Crime Commission issued a report that found a 42% increase in juvenile arrestees and concluded that in 2022 juveniles were charged with 151 aggravated assault charges, 124 carjacking charges, and 96 aggravated robberies. Memphis is not alone in this kind of surge, though. After decades of decline, serious juvenile violence began dramatically increasing in 2020. 

Juvenile offending, like adult criminality, concentrates among a very small number of offenders. These juveniles are typically either associated with or being recruited into street gangs and often pressured by adults to commit serious violent offenses.  

Thankfully, there are well-documented ways to reduce that kind of offending. Look to Louisville, Kentucky for a recent example of solutions.  

Progressive Prosecutors and the Inconvenient Democratic Will | Opinion

The Reasons Behind Witnesses Being Hesitant to Communicate with Law Enforcement Following a Crime.

In The News

The Reasons Behind Witnesses Being Hesitant to Communicate with Law Enforcement Following a Crime.

In March, the Department of Justice released a report outlining examples of discrimination by LMPD in some arrest cases.

LMPD is asking for tips from the public to help solve crimes, including a recent mass shooting in Chickasaw Park that left two dead. However, some people may be reluctant to come forward if they don’t feel they will benefit from law enforcement or if they don’t have confidence in the police. The Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives at the Georgia Center for Opportunity, Josh Crawford, explained that communities want more law enforcement to keep them safe, but they may not feel that police can do their jobs reliably or fairly based on past interactions. Building trust between police and communities is crucial for making neighborhoods safer.

Progressive Prosecutors and the Inconvenient Democratic Will | Opinion

Why Some Witnesses are Reluctant to Talk to Police After Crime

In The News

Why Some Witnesses are Reluctant to Talk to Police After Crime

There are unsolved murders and crimes across the city, and in some cases lots of witnesses, but few tips.

Almost two weeks ago, six people were shot in Chickasaw Park with two of them dying. Hundreds of people were in the park, but police have been begging for tips.

This week, LMPD asked the public again for any evidence that could help them get justice for the victims of the Chickasaw Park mass shooting.

“If individuals are not getting the benefit of law enforcement. If the homicides that take place there, if the shootings that take place there go unsolved, then they’re not going to have confidence law enforcement can protect them,” the Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives at the Georgia Center for Opportunity Josh Crawford said.

Progressive Prosecutors and the Inconvenient Democratic Will | Opinion

Looking at some of the causes, solutions to Louisville’s violence problem

In The News

Looking at some of the causes, solutions to Louisville’s violence problem

As Louisville tries to get into the thunder and Derby spirit, violence hangs over the metro.

We’ve heard from both sides of the political aisles about how to stop the bloodshed.

Tonight the Jefferson County GOP heard some interesting thoughts in a presentation about the violence in Louisville and how it could be stopped. It might’ve been a meeting of Republicans, but it was hardly political. 

Last week’s violence grabbed headlines, but it’s really a problem that’s been going on for years.

“All four of our deadliest years ever have been since 2016,” said Josh Crawford from the Center of Opportunity.

Josh Crawford is the Director of Criminal Justice Initiatives at the Center of Opportunity and he spoke to the crowd the cause of violence and how to combat it.

“One of the things that has gotten a lot of attention recently especially in the wake of the shootings in Chickasaw, there is insufficient protections locally for witnesses,” Crawford said.

It was group of people trying to learn about what’s going on in their city and how they can help.

 

Progressive Prosecutors and the Inconvenient Democratic Will | Opinion

Louisville leaders say violence reduction strategy falling short in key areas

In The News

Louisville leaders say violence reduction strategy falling short in key areas

According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, 2022 was the third-deadliest year in Louisville’s history.

There were 160 homicides last year, a 150% increase from 2012 when the Metro finished the year with 64 homicides.

 

“It is simultaneously fully operational, and not operating optimally,” Josh Crawford, who is on Louisville’s GVI governance committee, said. 

Crawford, who also serves as head of the Board of Directors for Chris 2X Gamechangers, said one of the main hurdles for GVI thus far has been the frequency and attendance of “call-in” meetings.

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