Diverse approaches to criminal justice range from defunding police, reform, and tough-on-crime

The Conversation Around Criminal Justice Reform in New Jersey

The conversation around criminal justice reform has gained traction in New Jersey, with advocates presenting divergent strategies to address systemic issues within law enforcement and the legal system. Patricia Campos-Medina, Larry Hamm, and Congressman Andy Kim are among those leading the charge.

Patricia Campos-Medina’s Approach: Defunding the Police and Investing in Communities

• Campos-Medina advocates for defunding the police and redirecting resources towards education, economic development, affordable housing, and community services.
• Her approach emphasizes investing in mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and programs that provide alternatives to incarceration.

Larry Hamm’s Approach: Comprehensive Criminal Justice Reform

• Hamm advocates for comprehensive criminal justice reform within the existing framework.
• He supports ending mandatory minimum sentences, reforming bail systems, and ensuring fairness within the legal system to reduce recidivism.
• Hamm’s plan includes measures to end qualified immunity for public officials, increase transparency in law enforcement, and establish civilian oversight boards with subpoena powers.
• He also supports community violence intervention programs, mental health response training for law enforcement, and improved support services for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Congressman Andy Kim’s Approach: Tough-on-Crime Strategies

• Congressman Andy Kim takes a tough-on-crime stance, supporting measures to fund local law enforcement, improve training and accountability, and intervene in mental health or substance abuse cases.
• His recent votes in Congress include passing bills to fund police departments, investigate unsolved crimes, and enhance resources for law enforcement.

The contrasting approaches between defunding the police, comprehensive reform, and tough-on-crime strategies highlight the complexities and diversity of opinions within the criminal justice reform movement. Advocates like Campos-Medina and Hamm prioritize systemic changes and community investment, while Kim focuses on strengthening law enforcement and intervention strategies.

Hamm is also the only New Jersey Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate who supported McCormick’s 2018 primary challenge to the corrupt incumbent, Senator Bob Menendez. Kim was Menendez’s CD3 running mate, and Campos-Medina donated $2500 to the incumbent’s campaign while the lawmaker and his wife were actively spying for Egypt.

As the debate continues, the voices of activists, lawmakers, and community members shape the dialogue and push for actionable reforms that prioritize justice, equity, and public safety. The ongoing discussions reflect a broader national conversation on the path forward towards a more just and equitable criminal justice system.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 4: Ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
• SDG 8: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.
• SDG 10: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• SDG 16: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
• SDG 3: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• SDG 11: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Investing in education as a resource to redirect police funding towards.
• Redirecting police funding towards economic development and affordable housing.
• Investing in community services and programs that provide alternatives to incarceration.
• Reforming bail systems, ensuring fairness within the legal system, and establishing civilian oversight boards with subpoena powers.
• Increasing transparency in law enforcement.
• Investing in mental health services and substance abuse treatment.
• Redirecting police funding towards affordable housing.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators