State of North Dakota secondary Archives: on Crime

Doug Burgum: Jail time without rehab is not a cure for addiction

As drug addiction and overdoses take their toll on North Dakota families, Burgum said the state must start treating addiction differently. Sixty-one people died in North Dakota in 2015 from overdoses, and more than $260 million was spent in the past decade on new jails at the city, county and state levels, he noted.

"Many of those in our system are there because of crimes rooted in addiction. Jail time without rehab is not a cure for addiction," Burgum said. "We need to start treating addiction like the chronic disease that it is. By moving resources upstream, we will save lives and save money."

Doug Burgum: North Dakota has been backing the blue, not defunding

Eliot Glassheim: Supports death penalty & alternatives for non-violent crimes

A: Yes; terrorism and heinous slaughterer should warrant the death penalty..

Q: Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?

A: Yes.

Jack Dalrymple: No use of drones for criminal investigations

North Dakota HB 1328 provides limitations for the use of unmanned aerial vehicle system (UAS, or drones) for surveillance.Bill excerpts:
1. Information obtained from an unmanned aerial vehicle is not admissible in a prosecution or proceeding within the state unless the information was obtained:
   • Pursuant to the authority of a search warrant; or
   • In accordance with exceptions to the warrant requirement.
2. Information obtained from the operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle may not be used in an affidavit of probable cause in an effort to obtain a search warrant, unless the information was obtained under the circumstances described above, or was obtained through the monitoring of public lands or international borders.

   Legislative record: Passed Senate 29-17-1; passed House 78-14-2, April 9; signed by Governor April 15. (Rep. Becker sponsored bill and voted YEA).

   Source: NCSL UAS Report: 2015 North Dakota voting records: HB 1328 Apr 15, 2015

   Jack Dalrymple: More highway patrol; more emergency communications system

   I have recommended that we fund three additional highway patrol officers, that we build and equip a new addition to the Highway Patrol Academy, and that we expand the communications capabilities of state radio, the key to our state's emergency response system. An investment in six communications towers will also improve the public's cell phone service in poor coverage areas. It's our responsibility to the dedicated men and women who are sworn to protect us have the tools they need to do the job. Source: 2011 State of the State speech to North Dakota legislature Jan 4, 2011

   Jack Dalrymple: More state troopers, more parole and probation programs

   In the area of law enforcement we have moved 13 additional state troopers to oil country in the current biennium. But we need to do more to support the county sheriffs, the police chiefs, and the state's attorneys in rapid growth areas. That is why I have recommended 15 additional troopers for the North Dakota Highway Patrol, and I've supported increased budgets for the courts and the parole and probation programs. But the greatest assistance we can provide to counties and cities in western North Dakota is to let them keep a larger share of the oil revenues and help them financially as they increase the number of sheriff's deputies and police officers in their communities. Having strong local law enforcement is what will give people peace of mind, and insure that we remain one of the safest states in the nation. Source: North Dakota 2013 State of the State Address Jan 8, 2013

   Kevin Cramer: 100% pro-life includes opposing death penalty

   Q: Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?

   A: No. This is an issue where my position has evolved over the years. I do not believe the threat of death deters crime. I am 100% pro-life

   Source: North Dakota Congressional 2012 Political Courage Test Oct 30, 2012

   Marvin Nelson: Asked attorney general to spend more time fighting crime

   We have this crime wave going on. We have gangs, we have shootings, we have burglaries, we have armed robberies; I can't even find a convenience store in a rural area that's open after 11 o'clock at night, because nobody wants to sit there and get robbed. All those towns and all those counties out west now are doing massive cuts to their law enforcement because they don't have the money to keep funding it. The attorney general really should be spending his time on that. Source: Grand Forks Herald on 2016 North Dakota governor race Jun 25, 2016

   Michael Coachman: Preserve right of self-defense without excessive burdens

   National security, national sovereignty, public safety, the right of self-defense, the rule of constitutional and statutory law, and civil justice should be preserved without excessive burdens to civil liberty. Source: 2020 North Dakota gubernatorial campaign website Mar 25, 2020

   Rick Becker: No use of drones for criminal investigations

   North Dakota HB 1328 provides limitations for the use of unmanned aerial vehicle system (UAS, or drones) for surveillance.Bill excerpts:
   1. Information obtained from an unmanned aerial vehicle is not admissible in a prosecution or proceeding within the state unless the information was obtained:
      • Pursuant to the authority of a search warrant; or
      • In accordance with exceptions to the warrant requirement.
   2. Information obtained from the operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle may not be used in an affidavit of probable cause in an effort to obtain a search warrant, unless the information was obtained under the circumstances described above, or was obtained through the monitoring of public lands or international borders.

      Legislative record: Passed Senate 29-17-1; passed House 78-14-2, April 9; signed by Governor April 15. (Rep. Becker sponsored bill and voted YEA).

      Source: NCSL UAS Report: 2015 North Dakota voting records: HB 1328 Apr 9, 2015

      Wayne Stenehjem: Launched state's sex offender website

      Since taking office Wayne has:
      • Launched the state's sex offender website to provide parents and other concerned citizens with access to information about the most dangerous sex offenders in the state.
      • Has worked diligently to eliminate domestic violence in the state. He was awarded the "Love Without Fear Award" by the Abused Adult Resource Center, noting that, during his years in the Legislature, he had been a sponsor or cosponsor of every piece of legislation enacted in the state designed to curb domestic violence.
      • Introduced an online Identity Theft program, designed to provide victims with "one click" access to all the information and forms necessary to document and identity theft.
      • Launched the state's "Cold Case Investigations" squad to assist local law enforcement agencies with unsolved missing person and homicide cases. The squad utilizes advances in forensics and DNA technology and new investigative techniques to re-investigate evidence and explore new leads.
      Source: 2016 North Dakota Governor campaign website, AgStenehjem.com Dec 10, 2015

      Doug Burgum: Reduce mandatory minimums; alternatives to incarceration

      U.S. News & World Report summary 2/22/19: Gov. Burgum signed SB2015 and HB1041 into law in April 2017 to lower the number of offenders in the state's system. HB1041 reduced mandatory minimums and presumptive probation guidelines. SB2015 mandated alternatives to physical custody, including drug treatment and home detention. So far, the result has been a 6.5% drop in the state's prison population. These programs are based on findings from Norway, [which] a cohort of N.D. legislators visited in 2015. Creating good neighbors is the goal of the Norwegian prison system, with no mention of punishment or retribution. The concept stands in stark contrast to the "tough on crime" approach system deployed across the US.

      Legislative Outcome: HB1041 passed House 86-4-4 on 2/21; passed Senate 42-0-5 on 4/17; signed by Governor 4/17. SB2015 passed Senate 46-0-1 on 4/16; passed House 85-7-2 on 4/17; signed by Governor 4/20/17.

      Source: USNWR on North Dakota voting records SB2015/HB1041 Apr 17, 2017

      Kelly Armstrong: Reduce mandatory minimums; alternatives to incarceration

      U.S. News & World Report summary 2/22/19: Gov. Burgum signed SB2015 and HB1041 into law in April 2017 to lower the number of offenders in the state's system. HB1041 reduced mandatory minimums and presumptive probation guidelines. SB2015 mandated alternatives to physical custody, including drug treatment and home detention. So far, the result has been a 6.5% drop in the state's prison population. These programs are based on findings from Norway, [which] a cohort of N.D. legislators visited in 2015. Creating good neighbors is the goal of the Norwegian prison system, with no mention of punishment or retribution. The concept stands in stark contrast to the "tough on crime" approach system deployed across the US.

      Legislative Outcome: Sen. Armstrong voted YES on both: HB1041 passed House 86-4-4 on 2/21; passed Senate 42-0-5 on 4/17; signed by Governor 4/17. SB2015 passed Senate 46-0-1 on 4/16; passed House 85-7-2 on 4/17; signed by Governor 4/20/17.

      Source: USNWR on North Dakota voting records SB2015/HB1041 Apr 17, 2017

      Marvin Nelson: Reduce mandatory minimums; alternatives to incarceration

      U.S. News & World Report summary 2/22/19: Gov. Burgum signed SB2015 and HB1041 into law in April 2017 to lower the number of offenders in the state's system. HB1041 reduced mandatory minimums and presumptive probation guidelines. SB2015 mandated alternatives to physical custody, including drug treatment and home detention. So far, the result has been a 6.5% drop in the state's prison population. These programs are based on findings from Norway, [which] a cohort of N.D. legislators visited in 2015. Creating good neighbors is the goal of the Norwegian prison system, with no mention of punishment or retribution. The concept stands in stark contrast to the "tough on crime" approach system deployed across the US.

      Legislative Outcome: HB1041 passed House 86-4-4 on 2/21; Rep. Nelson voted YES; passed Senate 42-0-5 on 4/17; signed by Governor 4/17. SB2015 passed Senate 46-0-1 on 4/16; passed House 85-7-2 on 4/17; Rep. Nelson voted YES; signed by Governor 4/20/17.

      Source: USNWR on North Dakota voting records SB2015/HB1041 Feb 21, 2017

      Rick Becker: Reduce mandatory minimums; alternatives to incarceration

      U.S. News & World Report summary 2/22/19: Gov. Burgum signed SB2015 and HB1041 into law in April 2017 to lower the number of offenders in the state's system. HB1041 reduced mandatory minimums and presumptive probation guidelines. SB2015 mandated alternatives to physical custody, including drug treatment and home detention. So far, the result has been a 6.5% drop in the state's prison population. These programs are based on findings from Norway, [which] a cohort of N.D. legislators visited in 2015. Creating good neighbors is the goal of the Norwegian prison system, with no mention of punishment or retribution. The concept stands in stark contrast to the "tough on crime" approach system deployed across the US.

      Legislative Outcome: HB1041 passed House 86-4-4 on 2/21; Rep. Becker voted YES; passed Senate 42-0-5 on 4/17; signed by Governor 4/17. SB2015 passed Senate 46-0-1 on 4/16; passed House 85-7-2 on 4/17; Rep. Becker voted YES; signed by Governor 4/20/17.

      Source: USNWR on North Dakota voting records SB2015/HB1041 Feb 21, 2017

      Thomas Campbell: Reduce mandatory minimums; alternatives to incarceration

      U.S. News & World Report summary 2/22/19: Gov. Burgum signed SB2015 and HB1041 into law in April 2017 to lower the number of offenders in the state's system. HB1041 reduced mandatory minimums and presumptive probation guidelines. SB2015 mandated alternatives to physical custody, including drug treatment and home detention. So far, the result has been a 6.5% drop in the state's prison population. These programs are based on findings from Norway, [which] a cohort of N.D. legislators visited in 2015. Creating good neighbors is the goal of the Norwegian prison system, with no mention of punishment or retribution. The concept stands in stark contrast to the "tough on crime" approach system deployed across the US.

      Legislative Outcome: HB1041 passed House 86-4-4 on 2/21; passed Senate 42-0-5 on 4/17; Sen. Campbell absent; signed by Governor 4/17. SB2015 passed Senate 46-0-1 on 4/16; Sen. Campbell voted YES; passed House 85-7-2 on 4/17; signed by Governor 4/20/17.

      Source: USNWR on North Dakota voting records SB2015/HB1041 Apr 16, 2017

      Merrill Piepkorn: Increase funding for mental health: primary root of problems

      Piepkorn said he supports increasing funding for mental health, addiction and alcohol services, especially in the western part of the state. "My thinking is that a primary root of problems, whether they be crime, or drunk driving, or just kind of unexplainable acts of violence or law breaking, is due to mental illness or addiction to alcohol and drugs," Piepkorn said. Source: North Dakota Monitor on 2024 North Dakota Gubernatorial race Oct 3, 2024

      The above quotations are from State of North Dakota Politicians: secondary Archives. Click here for definitions & background information on Crime. Click here for other issues (main summary page).
      2024 Presidential contenders on Crime:
      	Candidates for President & Vice-President: V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA) Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA) Chase Oliver(L-GA) Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA) Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL) Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH) Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN) Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)	2024 presidential primary contenders: Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE) N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R) N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R) Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R) S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R) Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R) Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN) U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN) Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH) S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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      Page last updated: Feb 06, 2026