Crime affects us all, even those who are not direct victims.  Criminality toward our neighbors means we have to protect against becoming the next victim.  The threat of crime engenders unease.  

 

Connecticut is fortunate to be in the lower third of violent crime reports (15th of 50).  But the government should be working to lower it still.  Even Vermont, Maine, Virginia, and Wyoming (#s 1, 2, 3, an 4) should not be smug if there are preventable violent crimes within their borders.   Protecting public safety is a basic function of government, the most important function according to classical liberalism.  

 

For every reported criminal activity, there is a multiple above that that go unreported.  For every reported criminal act, there are some criminal attempts that are thwarted.  We should be working to deter all attempts.  

 

Deterrence without becoming a police state is a delicate balance.  I err on the side of deterrence.  My balancing is to use good citizens more often to help the police.  "If you see something, say something" is wise.  Police can use the extra eyes an ears that good citizenry provide.    

 

Deterrence includes protecting against cyber-crime.  I'm the candidate who would spend MORE money on active-duty State Police, including a cyber-crime institute.  We will detect impersonators, root out fraudsters, and recoup stolen sums, even if it means going across state lines to "out-of-state" banks.

 

The videos here will eventually build to important discussions on confinement, deterrence, rehabilitation, and restitution.