Phil Murphy on Crime

	Phil Murphy on Crime

Reject notion that compassion comes at the cost of vigilance

We must continue reforming a justice system that has failed Black and Brown communities for far too long. That means undoing the damage of the failed War on Drugs. And helping our neighbors who have been unjustly thrown behind bars get back on track. I will be announcing a new clemency initiative that will ensure we live up to our promise as the state for second chances. We need to reject the notion that compassion comes at the cost of vigilance. Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature , Jan 9, 2024

Top priority is tightening laws against car theft

Many of our communities are living amidst another persistent wave of car thefts. Over the past year, our administration has focused clearly on this problem. These steps are already helping to bring down the numbers of car thefts. We all know there's more we can do. In fact, three months ago, I stood alongside the legislative leaders from both houses to unveil a package to further tighten our laws against car theft. So, I ask you today to make passing these measures a top priority. Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature , Jan 10, 2023

Eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent crimes

We're making our justice system more transparent and fair not just for our sake, but to make New Jersey a national model for positive transformation in policing and ending racial inequities. I also remain committed to eliminating mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug and property crimes -- these reforms are long-overdue. Source: 2021 State of the State Address to New Jersey legislature , Jan 12, 2021

For-profit prison industry targets communities of color

Phil believes that the status quo in criminal justice has failed too many, and it is time to address the structural racism in our criminal justice system. For too long, special interests, like the for-profit prison industry, have driven criminal justice policies. We can no longer accept policies that disproportionately target communities of color.

Create a commission to comprehensively re-examine our criminal laws, including mandatory minimums;
Fully implement bail reform so no one sits in jail because they cannot afford to pay a fine;
Legalize marijuana so police can focus resources on violent crimes;
Expand re-entry services, so that the people coming out of prison have the support they need to return to productive lives; and
Expand the use of body cameras to promote transparency and accountability.

Source: 2017 N.J. gubernatorial campaign website, Murphy4NJ.com , Jun 6, 2017

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