Marquette University Faces Two Armed Robberies in Three Days
Two separate armed robberies in three days have left the Marquette University community alarmed and demanding action. In one incident, a business employee was physically assaulted by suspects who attempted to leave without paying. In another, two students were robbed at gunpoint while walking near campus. These brazen attacks occurred in broad daylight, adding to the urgency for improved safety measures. Students and staff received alerts following the incidents, but many are left questioning whether enough is being done to prevent such crimes.
How District Attorneys Shape Public Safety
The broader implications of these incidents extend beyond Marquette’s campus and reflect a troubling trend in many American cities. The role of district attorneys (DAs) in shaping public safety cannot be overstated. As the Heritage Foundation emphasizes in a new documentary, who your district attorney is directly affects public safety. DAs set the tone for law enforcement priorities, prosecution strategies, and sentencing guidelines. When prosecutors adopt lenient policies, particularly regarding violent offenses, the deterrence effect diminishes, leaving citizens more vulnerable to crime.
Debunking the Myth of Mass Incarceration
The claim that the United States incarcerates “too many” people is often cited in arguments for criminal justice reform. However, research by the Heritage Foundation challenges this notion. Their report, The Myth of Mass Incarceration, argues that a significant number of criminals, especially violent offenders, never get caught or serve time. This raises concerns about whether a reduction in incarceration is truly the right approach. For instance, data from urban areas governed by more lenient prosecutors show that crime rates often increase, rather than decrease, under these policies.
The Heritage Foundation’s Documentary: “Rogue Prosecutors: The Full Story”
The recent book and documentary by the Heritage Foundation, Rogue Prosecutors: The Full Story, dives deep into the impact of these soft-on-crime approaches. It offers insights from real prosecutors, victims, and the proponents of pro-criminal policies. The film illustrates how cities with progressive DAs have experienced spikes in violent crime, not due to a lack of policing but rather the reluctance to prosecute offenses aggressively. The documentary not only paints a vivid picture of rising crime rates in such cities but also outlines solutions. It calls for voters to be informed about the role of DAs and to prioritize candidates committed to public safety.
Addressing the Real-World Consequences
Marquette’s recent incidents serve as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of these policies. While students, faculty, and local businesses demand more police presence, they must also consider the influence of prosecutorial decisions. Tougher prosecution, effective policing, and community engagement are critical to reversing the trend of rising crime and ensuring safety on and off campuses.
The Heritage Foundation’s documentary urges a shift back toward accountability in the justice system—prioritizing victims over offenders. It’s a call to action for cities, like Milwaukee, to consider the impact of electing DAs who are focused not on reducing incarceration at any cost, but on ensuring the safety and security of the community. The message is clear: without a functioning and deterrent justice system, crimes like those at Marquette will only become more frequent.
