Crime

But while Americans are more secure from threats abroad, I think we all now that in many ways we are less secure from threats here at home.  Everyday the national peace is shattered by crime.

In Petaluma, California, an innocent slumber party gives way to agonizing tragedy for the family of Polly Klaas.  An ordinary train ride on Long Island ends in a hail of nine millimeter rounds.  A tourist in Florida is nearly burned alive by bigots simply because he is black.  Right here in our nation’s capital, a brave young man named Jason White, a policeman, the son and grandson of policemen, is ruthlessly gunned down.

Violent crime and the fear it provokes are crippling our society, limiting personal freedom, and fraying the ties that bind us.

The crime bill before Congress gives you a chance to do something about it, a chance to be tough and smart.  What does that mean?  Let me begin by saying I care a lot about this issue.  Many years ago, when I started out in public life, I was the attorney general of my state.  I served as a governor for a dozen years.  I know what it’s like to sign laws increasing penalties, to build more prison cells, to carry out the death penalty.  I understand this issue and it is not a simple thing.

First, we must recognize that most violent crimes are committed by a small percentage of criminals who too often break the laws even when they are on parole.  Now those who commit crimes should be punished, and those who commit repeated violent crimes should be told when you commit a third violent crime, you will be put away and put away for good, three strikes and you are out.

Second, we must take serious steps to reduce violence and prevent crime, beginning with more police officers and more community policing.  We know right now that police who work the streets, know the folks, have the respect of the neighborhood kids, focus on high crime areas, we know that they are more likely to prevent crime as well as catch criminals.  Look at the experience of Houston, where the crime rate dropped 17 percent in one year when that approach was taken.  Here tonight is one of those community policemen, a brave, young detective, Kevin Jett, whose beat is eight square blocks in one of the toughest neighborhoods in New York.  Every day he restores some sanity and safety, and a sense of values and connection to the people whose lives he protects.  I’d like to ask him to stand up and be recognized tonight.

You will be given a chance to give the children of this country, the law abiding working people of this country, and don’t forget, in the toughest neighborhoods in this country, in the highest crime neighborhoods in this country the vast majority of people get up every day and obey the law, pay their taxes, do their best to raise their kids.  They deserve people like Kevin Jett, and you’re going to be given the chance to give the American people another 100,000 of them, well trained, and I urge you to do it.