Protecting the safety of the public is the first priority of government. The protection of the public depends heavily upon the ability of local law enforcement to prevent crime and apprehend criminals. I am currently administering a state grant program to provide funds for local law enforcement to address violent crime in their communities. I have traveled the state meeting with and listening to local law enforcement to learn more about strategies to fight violent crime.
At the state level it is an obligation of the state to provide meaningful treatment opportunities for those who are amenable to treatment to interrupt their life of crime. But for those offenders who choose to not take advantage of those opportunities or who are a threat to the community, the state also has an obligation to provide appropriate confinement.
Throughout the criminal justice process, the concerns of the victim must be acknowledged and addressed. Whether through providing an opportunity to be heard at parole hearing or in criminal justice reform policy changes, the Attorney General's Office works to ensure victims are notified and their concerns heard.