| Over
the past several years, the crime rate has decreased dramatically
throughout the United States. Yet in far too many communities, Americans
do not feel much safer. Children go to school afraid, people feel
unsafe walking in their neighborhoods at night, and parents carefully
secure their homes. |
|
Having run the Middlesex County district attorney
offices -- one of the 10 largest counties in the country -- I learned
firsthand that administering tough sentences is not sufficient to deal
with violent criminals. Making our communities safe requires enforcing
laws and punishing criminals, but it also requires addressing the root
causes of crime. We must also build strong communities, ensure that
our children are safe in their schools, focus on rehabilitating criminals,
and provide meaningful opportunities for all young people to contribute
to and succeed in society.
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