Supporting our Police

The tragic death of 30 year-old husband and father Patrick McDonald, a Philadelphia police officer was the fourth in Philadelphia so far this year. It was admirable that Mayor Nutter spoke out so strongly about this senseless act and that the Philadelphia Orchestra, altered its music program to reflect the somber aftermath of Officer McDonald’s death. However, that is not enough.

Every citizen who enjoys and takes for granted the personal and private safety provided by our police officers should feel outrage and sadness at this and every other loss. Whether it happens in the city or in the suburbs, we should speak out loudly about how this behavior cannot continue in our society. What can we do to stop the string of violent acts against our police officers?

Here is what I advocate in order to improve this situation:

1. An ongoing academic program that highlights the daily dangers in which law enforcement officers place themselves to protect us. This curriculum should include an in-depth explanation of how law enforcement officers protect our civil rights and our personal security, and an emphasis on how law enforcement officials should be respected.

2. In Harrisburg, I will support legislation that increases penalties for those who commit crimes against law enforcement officers.

3. I would also support measures that strengthen the parole process to ensure that dangerous criminals are not roaming our streets where they could continue their criminal behavior, such as, in the case of Officer Patrick McDonald.

4. I would also support measures to crack down on firearms straw purchases, which is a situation where an individual who purchases a gun is actually buying it for someone else. This would prevent weapons from getting into the hands of criminals.

While this type of violence is typically viewed as an inner-city problem, it affects all of us. In the suburbs, one of the greatest problems in the minds of the residents is an increase in home invasions, which could potentially lead to violence as well. My approach to this problem includes both preventative measures as well as strict punitive measures that together should deter criminals from even considering these types of violent acts in our community. We can work together through the educational and judicial processes to improve the lives of all of us, citizens and law enforcement officials alike.