Issue Position: Crime

Issue Position

It's no secret the Rockford area has had issues with crime for a long time. Progress has been made in recent years, but there's still a long way to go. Everyone in our community deserves to feel and be safe whether they are in their homes or out in public. I propose the following to address crime in the Rockford area:

Family Peace Center: I will secure state support for the proposed Family Peace Center. Domestic violence is a pervasive threat to our safety. This center will be a safe haven for survivors to go when they are the most vulnerable. It will give them centralized access to support and services that will empower survivors and protect those that are in the most need. This is the most comprehensive plan I have seen in my 20 years working in the criminal justice system.
Problem Solving Courts: I want to increase state support for Problem Solving Courts. These are courts that specialize in particular groups of people. Right now in Winnebago County there are Problem Solving Courts for veterans, people with mental health issues, and people who suffer from drug addiction. Each one of these groups is able to receive specialized support that saves taxpayer dollars, and reduces the likelihood of them re-offending. I also want to secure resources to expand these courts to cover more groups. The groups are as follows:
Community Courts, which would work with low level, nonviolent offenders
Domestic Violence Courts, which would work with the Family Peace Center to provide streamlined and effective services to survivors
Homelessness Courts, which would help homeless people access services and get them off the streets
Strong Economy: Having a strong local economy is a significant factor in crime reduction. Data shows that having a job and being able to provide for their family significantly reduces the likelihood of someone committing a crime. You can read about my economic proposals here.

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