Christie Todd Whitman on Crime Former Director of the E.P.A (Pres. Bush Cabinet); Former Republican Governor (NJ)

End early release; enforce “three strikes”; build prisons

• Lower Crime Rate - The crime rate has dropped steadily and significantly during the Whitman administration, including a 6 percent decrease in 1999.
• No Early Release Law - Signed this law to ensure that violent criminals convicted of a first or second degree crime must serve at least 85% of their term before being eligible for parole.
• Megan’s Law - Signed Megan’s Law -- the model for federal legislation -- to help communities protect children against sex offenders.
• 3 Strikes - Signed “three-strikes-and-you’re-in” legislation to punish violent career criminals with mandatory life in prison.
• Juvenile Justice - Initiated a juvenile justice system overhaul, including a military-style boot camp for young offenders.
• Prison Construction - Expanded prison space by more than 3,200 beds and forced inmates to pay for their own health care.