Tennessee | June 28, 2021
Rising Crime Forces Liberals to Reckon with Their Stance on the Police
Tennessee | June 28, 2021
As rates of violent crime continue to rise across the country and once-safe neighborhoods face increased dangers, many liberal communities are having to confront their complicated relationship with the police.
Following the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, the defund the police movement attracted attention and support among liberals, earning endorsements from celebrities and lawmakers alike. Roughly 50% of Democrats supported defunding the police in June 2020, according to a June 2020 poll from FiveThirtyEight.
The movement, defined by Brookings Institute Fellow Rashawn Ray as support for “reallocating or redirecting funding away from the police department to other government agencies funded by the local municipality,” arose in response to systemic police brutality and racism.
The movement achieved some success, with over 20 cities cutting or diverting police department budgets, The Guardian reported.
However, as police departments endured budget cuts, crime has skyrocketed. Faced with increasing violence in their communities, some residents of liberal cities have begun looking to the police for help…
(Excerpts from the Tennessee Star)
Tennessee | May 25, 2021
Gov. Lee Signs Criminal Justice Reform Bills Into Law
Tennessee | May 25, 2021
According to Governor Bill Lee, two new criminal justice reform policies will help reduce the burden of incarcerated individuals on taxpayers throughout the state. “Today marks a shift in the trajectory of criminal justice in TN. The legislation signed today will create generational change & transform lives while saving taxpayer dollars,” Lee said in a tweet…
One bill, the Re-entry Success Act, will create a mandatory supervision program for individuals who are recently released from prison and reduce the period of time between an individual’s parole hearings. Further, the act will allow former incarcerated individuals to apply for certifications with fewer restrictions.
The other bill, the Alternatives to Incarceration Act, will assist local governments in locating community-based alternatives to prison. In addition to capping the duration of probation for offenders, the legislation prevents a judge from revoking probation based on one instance of “technical violation.”..
(Excerpts from the Tennessee Star)
Tennessee | May 18, 2021
Senator Marsha Blackburn Introduces Bill to Protect Against Violent Crime
Tennessee | May 18, 2021
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) joined Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Representative David Kustoff (R-TN-08) in re-introducing the Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act of 2021.
“The practice of releasing violent serial criminals has to end. Repeat offenders should not be rewarded with the freedom to needlessly victimize more law-abiding Americans,” Blackburn said in a statement released by her office.
The legislation would allow prosecutors to seek enhanced penalties against violent, repeat offenders.
“Our local law enforcement officers work around the clock to keep our citizens and communities safe. The least we can do to support them is ensure that fewer violent criminals are released back on the streets. As we recognize this week as National Police Week, I am honored to re-introduce this commonsense measure. I look forward to passing this bill to not only protect the American people, but to help our brave men and women in law enforcement,” Rep. Kustoff added…
(Excerpts from the Tennessee Star)
Tennessee | May 18, 2021
Knoxville Mayor Removes Police from Schools After Police Shot, Killed Armed High School Student
Tennessee | May 18, 2021
Knoxville schools will no longer have a police presence, per a joint letter issued by Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and the Knoxville Police Department (KPD). The mayor and KPD pulled the plug on an agreement in which KPD supplied officers as security for Knox County Schools (KCS).
KPD officers will be pulled from schools by June 12 – the latest date of graduations occurring. The letter explained that KCS’s internal security and mental health professionals have grown since the agreement took place, making it unnecessary to have KPD assistance.
“I have profound appreciation and the utmost respect for the Board of Education’s role in ensuring that all children have access to a high-quality education in a safe, nurturing environment. As the Knox County School’s internal School Security Division has grown, and as you now have resources to add mental health professionals to schools, we agree that it is time to have a public dialogue about our respective roles to ensure school safety,” read the letter. “Please know that the Knoxville Police Department will always be ready to respond to emergencies in and around our schools, no matter what.”..
(Excerpt from the Tennessee Star)