Mike Kehoe’s Swift Crime Crackdown Post-Inauguration \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe marked his first day in office with bold anti-crime orders, reflecting a broader national shift toward stricter law enforcement. Governors and lawmakers across the U.S. are revisiting relaxed sentencing laws, focusing on harsher penalties for crimes such as fentanyl trafficking and organized retail theft. Public concerns over safety continue to influence policy shifts in state legislatures.
Missouri’s Crime Crackdown: Quick Look
- Kehoe’s Immediate Actions: New Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe initiated measures to apprehend fugitives, increase veteran officer pay, and train law enforcement for federal immigration duties.
- National Trend: Both Republicans and Democrats are embracing tougher crime laws following public demand for stricter penalties.
- Fentanyl and Retail Theft in Focus: States are targeting fentanyl traffickers and organized theft rings with stricter sentences.
- Public Safety Perception: High-profile crimes amplify concerns about safety, influencing legislative priorities.
- Shifting Sentencing Laws: States like Oregon and Louisiana are reversing earlier reforms that reduced penalties for certain offenses.
Deep Look
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe began his administration with a bold statement, issuing multiple executive orders targeting crime within minutes of his inauguration. These measures aim to address public concerns about safety, a key issue that resonated with voters during his campaign. Kehoe’s swift actions included initiatives to apprehend dangerous fugitives, enhance pay for experienced law enforcement officers, and train state police to assist federal immigration authorities. Additionally, the governor mandated the collection of immigration-status data for individuals facing criminal charges, reflecting a hardline approach to both crime and immigration enforcement.
“Too many Missourians don’t feel safe, and too many Missourians aren’t safe,” Kehoe remarked during his inauguration speech. He emphasized that fear undermines productivity and prosperity, sentiments that echo a growing national discourse around crime and public safety. While crime rates in some categories have declined since their pandemic-era surge, high-profile incidents and public perception of lawlessness continue to fuel anxiety. This has led to renewed calls for tougher penalties and stricter enforcement across the United States.
A Nationwide Shift Toward Tougher Crime Policies
Missouri is far from alone in its pivot toward stricter crime policies. Across the U.S., states are reversing years of relaxed sentencing laws and adopting harsher penalties for a wide range of offenses. This shift reflects a bipartisan effort to address voter concerns about crime, with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers proposing new legislation.
Fentanyl and the Opioid Crisis
One of the most pressing issues driving these changes is the fentanyl crisis. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are now a leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S., claiming tens of thousands of lives annually. In Utah, Republican state Rep. Matthew Gwynn has introduced legislation that would impose harsher penalties on fentanyl traffickers compared to dealers of other drugs such as heroin or methamphetamine.
Gwynn, who also serves as police chief in Roy, Utah, described fentanyl as “almost terroristic in nature” due to its lethal potency. His sentiments align with a broader movement to classify fentanyl trafficking as an urgent public safety threat. Similar measures are being pursued in states like Arizona and California, where voters approved ballot initiatives in November to increase penalties for fentanyl-related crimes.
Organized Retail Theft
Another significant focus of state legislation is organized retail theft, a crime that has gained national attention through viral social media videos showing coordinated shoplifting sprees. Lawmakers are cracking down on these activities, which not only harm businesses but also contribute to the perception of lawlessness. In Maryland, Democratic state Sen. Ron Watson is sponsoring a bill that would allow prosecutors to charge everyone involved in a group theft as felons if the combined stolen value exceeds $1,500—even if each participant stole less than that amount.
Watson emphasized the need for stronger deterrents, stating, “Criminals have become emboldened because they can get away with things and pretty much get a slap on the wrist. Violent or nonviolent, a crime is a crime. And that crime needs to be punished.”
Reversing Relaxed Sentencing Laws
The nationwide push for tougher crime laws has led several states to reconsider policies enacted in the last decade. In Oregon, for example, Democratic Governor Tina Kotek recently signed legislation rolling back a 2020 voter-approved measure that decriminalized small amounts of hard drugs like heroin and methamphetamine. The new law reclassifies these offenses as misdemeanors punishable by up to six months in jail, while also imposing stricter penalties for drug sales near sensitive areas like parks and schools.
Louisiana has similarly embraced tougher crime policies. Last year, Republican Governor Jeff Landry signed a series of anti-crime laws that included longer sentences for carjacking and fentanyl trafficking, the elimination of parole for most offenders, and the reversal of a 2016 law that treated 17-year-olds as juveniles instead of adults. These measures reflect a growing sentiment that previous reforms may have gone too far in prioritizing leniency over accountability.
Missouri, which enacted sentencing reforms in 2014 and 2019 that reduced penalties for certain nonviolent offenses, is now reconsidering its approach. Lawmakers in the state are backing multiple proposals aimed at combating crime, including measures targeting fentanyl trafficking, organized retail theft, stunt driving, rioting, and resisting arrest. Efforts to recruit and retain police officers are also a key component of the state’s strategy to enhance public safety.
The Role of Public Perception
While crime rates have fluctuated in recent years, public perceptions of safety are not always tied to statistical trends. High-profile incidents—such as the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans, the burning of a woman on a New York subway, or the fatal shooting of a health insurance executive outside a New York City hotel—often dominate headlines and shape public opinion. These events create a sense of randomness and brazenness that can undermine confidence in law enforcement and government.
“When you see randomness, brazenness, that makes people feel vulnerable and suggests there is a sense of lawlessness, a breakdown of behavioral norms,” explained Adam Gelb, president of the Council on Criminal Justice. This sentiment has contributed to the political momentum behind stricter crime policies.
Crime as a Political Priority
Crime was a key issue during the 2022 midterm elections, with nearly 8 in 10 voters expressing concern about safety in their communities, according to an AP VoteCast survey. States like California, Colorado, and Arizona have responded with voter-approved measures to increase penalties for crimes ranging from shoplifting to child sex trafficking. In California, for instance, a November ballot initiative made repeat shoplifting a felony and increased penalties for certain drug offenses, effectively rolling back parts of a 2014 law that had downgraded several nonviolent crimes to misdemeanors.
Similarly, Colorado voters approved measures to extend prison terms for individuals convicted of serious crimes such as murder, assault, and robbery. These initiatives reflect a broader reevaluation of sentencing laws as policymakers seek to balance public safety concerns with fairness and rehabilitation.
Conclusion
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s decisive actions on his first day in office are emblematic of a national shift toward tougher crime policies. Across the United States, lawmakers are responding to voter concerns with measures targeting organized retail theft, fentanyl trafficking, and other pressing issues. While crime statistics may show nuanced trends, the perception of rising lawlessness is driving a bipartisan effort to reestablish accountability and restore public confidence in safety.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.