It is critically important in these changing times that youngsters involved in serious, violent criminal conduct be given the message that this will not be tolerated. We must draw the line in advance. We must impose limitations on young people, and hold them fully responsible for violations of those limitations. There is also persuasive evidence that the last potentially effective deterrent for serious juvenile offenders is the threat of incarceration in adult prison. At the same time, we must prevent our children from becoming hardened criminals in the first place.
Juvenile violence stems in large part from a breakdown of family and community.
Communities often already know what to do to reduce crime, increase the public safety and improve the quality of their lives. However, they often do not have the resources or coordinated support to accomplish their goals. As County Attorney, I will use the leadership and resources of my office to help mobilize and strengthen communities to recognize and solve their own problems. I will work with them to help empower them to find and create their own solutions. I advocate establishing Restorative Community Justice Center programs.