Public Safety: Police AND Prevention

Does supporting prevention mean supporting our police less? I don’t think it does.

If somebody breaks into your home, you want an officer to show up. If there’s a fire or medical emergency, you want first responders there fast.

I support making sure our police and firefighters have the staffing, training and tools they need to do their jobs.

But public safety can’t only start after something goes wrong.

A kid having somewhere safe to go after school matters.
A mentor matters.
Better lighting matters.
Safer crosswalks matter.
Officers knowing the neighborhoods they serve matters.

Those things don’t replace police.

They work together.

My approach is pretty simple:

Support our first responders. Hold everyone accountable. Invest in prevention.

Respond when something happens.
And do what we can to make it less likely to happen in the first place.

What do you think?

What would make you feel safer in your neighborhood?

More consistent police presence? Better lighting? Safer streets? Youth programs? Stronger community policing?

Why should we have to choose?