Jackson Free Press

Crime and the economy. No matter how it's sliced, these two issues are inextricably linked. When we face one problem head on, we also tackle the other. And that is why the President's economic stimulus package is so important. It offers answers to both.

Make no mistake. Public safety is one of the leading factors in industrial and economic development. And the state of our economy can be tied to increased criminal activity. A recent survey by the Police Executive Research Forum of possible links between crime and the economy found that nearly half of 233 police agencies questioned since the collapse of the nation's financial markets linked increases in criminal offenses to the faltering economy.

Of those agencies, 39 percent reported increases in robberies, 32 percent in burglaries and 40 percent in thefts. To make matters worse, the survey also found that 63 percent of the 233 agencies were bracing for funding cuts during the upcoming year.

Under the previous administration, funding for local and state law enforcement programs had eroded by almost half. Programs such as Mississippi's narcotics task forces were lost (but hopefully now will be restored). Such inaction has provided a breeding ground for property, financial and violent crime. It's happening in our state.

In Lowndes County, for example, law enforcement officials have reported a steady increase in the area's crime rate as the nation's economy has declined. Columbus Police Lt. Jeff Guyton summed it up best when he said: "When you combine the bad economy with rising utlitiy rates and everything, it can definitely cause more crime. I guess some people start seeing theft as a way to get easy money."

As attorney general of Mississippi, I see and work with the victims of crime, who face lifetimes of recovery as a result of lives lost, identities stolen, homes ransacked, children victimized, wives beaten. These acts cannot be tolerated, either in good economic times or bad.

The Economic Recovery Act will have clear and almost immediate results. It includes $4 billion to enhance state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts, including the hiring of new police officers, to combat violence against women, and to fight internet crimes against children. It includes:

* $1 billion to fund local police officers through Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. These grants will fund an estimated 5,500 local police officers through the COPS Hiring Recovery Program.

* $2 billion in the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to fund grants for state and local programs that combat crime. The Byrne JAG program is distributed by formula - 60 percent to the states and 40 percent to the local law enforcement efforts.

* Resources from the Office on Violence Against Women for programs that help our most vulnerable populations -- $225 million in Violence Against Women Act Grants. Also provides $100 million through OJP for grants to assist victims of crime, $225 million for tribal law enforcement assistance, and $50 million for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces.

* Provides an additional $390 million from OJP for local law enforcement assistance, including $225 million in competitive Byrne grants, $125 million targeted for rural areas, and $40 million for the Southern border (including $10 million for ATF's Project Gunrunner).

Rep. Bennie Thompson and Rep. Travis Childers should be applauded for their efforts in seeking passage of the new stimulus plan and for understanding that meaningful recovery cannot occur without providing the necessary tools to make it happen.

As we work to build our economy, and our country, these programs will achieve many of the goals that will make us safer and more secure, while helping to stimulate business growth and development. And most important, it will give our citizens the peace of mind that comes from the knowledge that we are all in this together -- and together we will emerge with strength.

Previous Comments

ID

144059

Comment

Great post, Ronni M and it is so refreshing to hear that we have people in MS who understand and can appreciate this type of interventio. My head hurts after listening to people like Jindal, Gov. of Louisiana and comments from the Gov. of MS. Bennie and Travis deserve an applause for the work they did on promoting the stimulus bill. It is so interesting that the past Adm. sent so many years wasting money, yet, there was basically no scrutiny. President Obama is being watched like a HAWK. He welcomes oversight and this is the piece of the political puzzle that has been missing for years.

Author

justjess

Date

2009-02-25T13:42:14-06:00

ID

144078

Comment

I don't know that I equate poverty / low incomes with criminal activity any more than I equate wealthy / rich with being honest. I understand he is making a bigger point, but I get tired of people thinking a low income area is thereby a high crime area, while rich neighborhoods are somehow seen as the land of integrity.

Author

Curley

Date

2009-02-25T16:25:58-06:00