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Tommy Thompson on Crime
Former Secretary of H.H.S.; former Republican Governor (WI)
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Death penalty for terrorism convicts
Question 13. Should those convicted of carrying out a terrorist attack in the United States regardless of country or origin be given a death penalty?
Mark Neumann: Yes
Tommy Thompson: Yes
Source: 2012 Wisconsin Tea Party Senate Debate Questionnaire
, Aug 13, 2012
Building more prisons reduces the crime rate
We restored public confidence in the criminal justice system with truth in sentencing, strengthened our juvenile code by replacing a soft touch with tough love, and kept sexual predators off our streets until they’re deemed not to be a threat.
While no one likes to build prisons, there is an unmistakable correlation between rising prison populations and the lowest crime rates in 30 years. When the bad guys are behind bars, they’re not committing crimes.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address
, Jan 31, 2001
Give prisoners a work ethic, and substance-abuse programs
Our goal remains to make a criminal’s first visit to prison his last. Our cutting-edge work programs give prisoners a skill and work ethic so they can leave prison with the ability to get a job and stay out of trouble.
And drug and alcohol treatment programs help keep them sober. As we look to the future, every prison must have a work program that trains every prisoner. Otherwise, these criminals will just keep coming back.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address
, Jan 31, 2001
Two strikes and you’re out for serious child sex crimes
Gov. Thompson has added a protective layer of security around our playgrounds, and neighborhoods from sex offenders who prey on children by creating a “two strikes, you’re out”
provision for serious child sex offenders. Any person convicted of a second sexual assault against a child will be sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Source: WI Governor’s website
, Jan 8, 2001
Three strikes and you’re out for felony convictions
“Three Strikes, You’re Out” - Gets tough with habitual criminals with mandating life in prison for the third felony conviction.
Source: WI Governor’s website
, Jan 8, 2001
Zero tolerance approach to crime
Gov. Thompson believes the most fundamental responsibility of government is to provide a safe environment for its citizens to live, work and play. Therefore, the governor takes a zero tolerance approach to crime. The governor is dedicated to making
sure Wisconsin remains a safe haven for its citizens and visitors.1999 crime statistics indicate state residents are enjoying the lowest total of index crimes in 26 years (index crimes include murder, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault).
Source: Wisconsin Governor’s web site
, Dec 25, 2000
Truth in Sentencing, no exceptions
Gov. Thompson eliminated the charade of parole and mandatory release, imposing a new program called Truth in Sentencing.The program is as straightforward as it sounds: a criminal will serve 100 percent of his or her sentence. No exceptions.
No excuses. From now on, when a judge hands down a 20-year sentence, the criminal will serve 20 years behind bars. “We are weighting the scales of justice back in favor of the law-abiding citizens of Wisconsin,” Gov. Thompson said.
Judges will now hand down two sentences: a prison sentence and an extended supervision sentence. The extended supervision sentence must be at least 25 percent of the prison sentence. Therefore, on a 20-year prison sentence, the
criminal must spend at least five years under extended supervision after serving his sentence.
Source: Wisconsin Governor’s web site
, Dec 25, 2000
Life means life, no possibility of parole
Gov. Thompson also eliminates time off for good behavior and replaces it with more time for bad behavior. Prison officials can now extend a disruptive prisoner’s time behind bars as well as transfer a prisoner to a more secure and strict prison.
The governor created a “life means life” law that allows judges to sentence murderers to prison without the possibility of parole.
Source: Wisconsin Governor’s web site
, Dec 25, 2000
All felons will serve complete prison sentence
If a felon is sentenced to 20 years, he should serve 20 years. No exceptions. The current system provides the possibility that inmates can be eligible for parole after serving one-fourth of their sentences.
There will be time off for good behavior. Parole and mandatory release from prison will no longer exist. Time can be added on for the prisoner who misbehaves.
Source: Speech on crime
, Feb 23, 1997
Page last updated: Nov 20, 2012
