Rising violent and property crime is on everyone’s mind. Even if you live in a safe neighborhood, it’s likely that you or a friend or family member has witnessed public drug dealing or consumption, had a car or business robbed, or wondered whether it’s really safe to walk alone at night. I believe the first job of government is keeping us safe, and that we can do so. Part of this is building trust between law enforcement and communities where the relationship has been strained. Part of it is making sure we have enough well trained, well equipped police to do the job and do it right.

• Repeal the state’s disastrous laws that let violent felons out of jail early, which have reclassified serious violent and property crimes as misdemeanors, and have reduced penalties for distributing hard drugs.

• Increase our police forces, and make sure they are well trained and equipped while reflecting the diversity of our state.

• Oppose the ‘defund the police’ movement. We must provide better training and expand law enforcement techniques when it comes to our mental health crisis.

• Address community concerns and equity by building relationships between local communities and police, and make sure every officer is trained to de-escalate violent conflict and is equipped with a body camera.