Police stop crime, not prisons

This comprehensive article shows that community policing is the most effect way to deter crime, not long term incarceration.

Prison Reform a Necessity for America

A new editorial is here:  

A new book is here: Facing the U.S. Prison Problem 2.3 Million Strong: An Ex-Cons' Views of the Problems and Solutions. by Shawn Griffith

I will be hosting a community conversation on criminal justice on WSLR (96.5) this
Thursday, January 24, from 6 -7 pm. Guests include author Shawn Griffith, Assistant Public Defender
Rebecca Wilson, and Robin Rogari director of inmate programs at the Sarasota County Jail.

Bill introduced to end Florida's Death Penalty

Person of the Week for Dec 30th through Jan. 5th :Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda -Many were expecting there to be some controversial bills to be filed in the Florida Legislature last week. But Tallahassee representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda shocked everyone with the filing of a bill that would repeal the death penalty in the State of Florida. Rehwinkel Vasilinda has always been a moderate on many issues, and her introduction of this bill was a nice change of pace. While the bill itself will more than likely not pass, or even make it to the floor for a vote, it is nice to see that someone is looking at the death penalty in Florida in this manner.

“The appropriate question for state government is how do we keep people safe from crime in the most cost effective way? When you analyze the numbers, state sponsored execution is not the correct answer,” says Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda according to CapitolSoup.com.

In a time where Democratic legislators, especially those that are north of I-4, are afraid to rock the boat with any new, progressive legislation, it is nice to see Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda stand up for progressive values.

Florida's Death Penalty Needs Reform

Florida is the only state that does not require a unanimous jury verdict to support the death penalty. The Tampa Bay Times calls for the Legislature to fix this issue.

Why is Violent Crime Declining?

Unleaded gasoline just might be the answer.