While media sources have attempted to identify possible candidates for retiring U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson’s (R-GA) seat, few have seriously examined a more important question: What criteria the media should apply when evaluating the various contenders for their audience.
There is a key “litmus test” for the press to utilize: Which candidate is most likely to sponsor the passage of a national gang prosecution law?
If reporters focus on this question, we will learn greatly about any hopeful’s true qualifications for the post.
Combatting America’s Gang Crisis
Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Vic Reynolds has correctly announced, “Communities do not have ‘gang problems.’ America has a gang crisis.” To Reynolds’ point, it is well-established that there are over one million gang members in the U.S., responsible for:
· 80% of all crime;
· Most illegal narcotics distribution;
· 48-90% of violent crime; and
· Control over human trafficking.
Still, there remains no federal anti-gang prosecution law. Dedication to passing one would demonstrate that defending against America’s greatest public safety threat comes first.
Following to the Will of the People In the 2018 election, both Gov. Brian Kemp and Attorney General Chris Carr defeated their opponents by campaigning on aggressive anti-gang initiatives. As observers have explained, when given a choice, Georgia prefer politicians who are most willing to protect them from gangs.
Pushing a federal gang prosecution law would keep with what Georgians have already shown is their priority.
Protection from Criminal Justice Reform
Failings Last month, a knife wielding, documented gang member on bail for gang charges went on a killing spree in California. According to reports, four people were hacked to death and more stabbed because this gangbanger was out of confinement courtesy of California’s version of criminal justice reform.
While improvements to criminal justice are needed, the federal First Step Act and similar laws fail to seriously guarantee against the wholesale release of dangerous, active criminal gang members. A national anti-gang prosecution law would guard citizens from this hazard.
Victims’ Rights & Support of Law Enforcement
In late 2018 InsiderAdvantage’s Cindy Morley reported on the murder of Gwinnett County Police Department Officer Antwan Toney– killed while serving his community– and exposed that “at least one of the suspects in the shooting death of … Toney was a known gang member.” Law enforcement stated, “The sad part is that the suspected shooter had gang charges against him two years ago and he was not prosecuted” and “These were known gang members, and they didn’t want the police to catch up to them.”
Instead of honoring Toney’s sacrifice by locking down on improving Georgia’s gang prosecution laws, a Gwinnett County State Representative reportedly spearheaded a bi-partisan effort to eliminate Georgia’s death penalty.
Whether a U.S. Senate hopeful will lead with a federal gang prosecution law will tell us much about dedication to victims and first responders. Finding that out begins with media asking the question.
Media Credibility
Longtime supporters of the Georgia Gang Investigators Association, InsiderAdvantage’s Phil Kent, GBI Chief of Staff John Melvin, and the GBI’s top attorney, Mike Carlson have properly taken the press to task for its failure to accurately report on the gang crisis for years.
Media sources could gain back lost credibility by showing that they are attuned public safety by inquiring about support for a national gang prosecution law.
Hard-hitting U.S. Attorney for Georgia’s Southern District Bobby Christine has properly proclaimed that a “persistent, steadily increasing, relentless surge of prosecution” is necessary to defeat the gang crisis. Let’s hope Georgia’s media will make the right inquiries and ensure that federal law enforcement and prosecution are equipped with what they need most to win that fight—a federal anti-gang prosecution law.
Of course, they first have to ask all the U.S. Senate hopefuls about their support or non-support.
James “Jimmy” Callaway serves as the President of the Georgia Gang Investigators Association and is the Chief of Police for the City of Morrow. He authored this column in his personal capacity and do not necessarily express the views of the Georgia Gang Investigators Association or the city of Morrow.
