Author: R. Alan Harrop, Ph.D.
As I stated in Part I of this article, a society that fails to instill a law abiding conscience in its children will have to resort to extensive external controls to keep crime under control. Let’s take a look at what needs to be done given the reality that crime, especially violent crimes, are occurring at unacceptable levels, particularly in urban areas.
Socialization of children depends on, and is the responsibility of their parents. The high rate of children born out of wedlock (over 40%) and therefore lacking two effective parents needs to be reversed. Nowadays, adults living together before marriage has not only increased, but is seemingly totally acceptable. That was not always the case. In the 1950s and before, society reacted very unfavorable to cohabitation before marriage. This of course led to earlier marriage. The average age at first marriage has increased by almost ten years as has the number of people who never marry. One thing parents and grandparents can do is to encourage young people to marry instead of living together. Don’t be afraid to let them know what you believe. I remember one of my grandsons asking me what he should get for his girlfriend’s birthday. He had been dating her for several years. I suggested that he get her an engagement ring! Several months later they did get engaged. Encouraging going to church and setting an example by doing so yourself can also help return children to traditional values. Expounding on the benefits of marriage and having children is also something we can all do. This was one of the themes of Charlie Kirk’s message that he spoke about frequently in his talks with younger people, particularly young men. Relatedly, law makers can consider increasing tax benefits to families with children. We need to strengthen the traditional family.
As a psychologist who worked in the N.C. Department of Correction for thirty years, I had the opportunity to observe criminals first hand. Raising law-abiding citizens depends on a system of reward and punishment. Reward good behavior and you will get more of it; punish bad behavior and you will get less. That is the simple rule of all human and animal behavior. To be effective, the reward and/or punishment must be consistent and immediate. Our current criminal justice system as advocated by the Left does not punish criminal behavior as was once the case. Cashless bail, light sentences, and delayed prosecution send the wrong message. Most crimes are committed by repeat offenders. Sentences should escalate significantly for those committing repeat offences. There used to be a process called “Three strikes and you are out” which referred to the fact that someone who commits a third felony would receive the maximum sentence. Repeat offenders are clearly telling us that they have made crime their career and we should recognize that fact. I recently heard a leftist mayor of one of the high crime rate cities state that “You cannot arrest yourself out of a crime problem.” Actually, the opposite is the case–incarcerating career criminals is the most effective way to lower the crime rate.
Illegal drugs are a major driver of crime. Legalizing marijuana is the wrong approach since it is clearly a gateway drug. Not only is the level of the intoxicating chemicals in marijuana increasing but some drug cartels infuse it with fentanyl to increase its addictive properties. President Trump’s actions like closing the border, declaring drug cartels as terrorist groups, and attacking drug smuggling ships from other countries are all useful efforts. Drug dealers are killing our youth and should be treated with punishments that fit the crime. In some cases, drug treatment can be effective; however, when it fails, incarceration may actually protect the life of the addict. Allowing addicts to freely live on the streets must be stopped. Vagrancy laws need to be re-instated with incarceration used as needed.
Mental illness can also influence criminal behavior, especially if not treated properly. Fortunately, most diagnosed mental illnesses do not increase the proclivity to commit crimes. However, in cases where the mental illness is related to severe emotional disturbances and aggressive behavior, it must be treated as a significant factor in predicting future criminal behavior. It should be noted that many of those with serious mental disorders related to criminal behavior resist treatment. Involuntary commitment is usually not very effective since it is usually temporary. The General Assembly should reconsider establishing a facility for the criminally insane that could hold and treat convicted felons with serious mental disorders. Clearly the current approach is not working.
Solving the crime problem will require a comprehensive effort which ensures that there is a police presence sufficient to ensure public safety as President Trump recently showed in Washington, DC. The North Carolina General Assembly’s passing of the Iryna Crime Act in response to the brutal murder on the Charlotte commuter train is also a step in the right direction. We will see if Governor Stein vetoes the bill as I expect. Democrats have consistently shown that the safety of the public is not their concern.