Washington State, and Spokane in particular, continue to rank among the highest nationally in property crime

"We must step up our efforts in combatting this trend."

  I believe:

• That lowering property crime must be among the highest priorities in our community.

  I have:

• Strengthened chronic offender policies resulting in tougher penalties for repeat offenders.

• Encouraged early identification and treatment of drug and mental health issues.

• Supported legislation for meaningful post-incarceration supervision.

• Encouraged local re-entry programming to decrease recidivist behaviors.

• Staffed victim services to address physical, emotional and economic well-being of innocent victims of these crimes.

Reports of domestic violence are on the increase in our communities

"Much of this is driven by drug and mental health issues."

  I believe:

• That aggressive prosecution and early intervention into dangerous relationships is essential.

  I have:

• Increased the number of prosecutors in our office who are focused on domestic violence.

• Worked towards establishing a new problem-solving court for misdemeanor-level domestic violence crimes.

Violent crime remains a significant issue in our community

"Prosecution of violent offenders continues to be an emphasis in my office."

  I believe:

• Reduction of violent crimes is an important and achievable goal.

  I have:

• Charged our major crimes prosecutors with seeing that justice is done and offenders punished.

• Maintained close, effective working relationships with law enforcement agencies at all levels.

• Personally promoted legislation that will increase our effectiveness by punishing where appropriate and promoting rehabilitation for those who prove amenable to change.

Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol continues to be a community safety threat

"Deterrence is the key to combatting this highly-preventable crime."

  I believe:

• In policies and procedures that encourage drivers to consider readily-available alternatives to driving impaired.

  I have:

• Stepped up our prosecution and toughened our standards on this senseless crime.

• Promoted wise choices by our drivers through the appropriate use of both treatment and punishment.