Crime and Society Newsletter
America's Criminologist with Dr. Currie Myers
America’s Criminologist Podcast for November 8, 2024
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America’s Criminologist Podcast for November 8, 2024

Dr C opines on criminal justice news, public policy, and recent published works.

Welcome to the America’s Criminologist Podcast for November 18, 2024. This is Dr Currie Myers with some interesting criminal justice news and events that have occurred in the United States recently.

My Podcast is brought to you by the Howard Wagyu Ranch. Raised on a family ranch in Central Kansas, Howard Wagyu serves Wagyu beef with the highest quality and excellence. Just go to their Facebook Page and go to Howard Wagyu!

My new book, “The Advent of Feral Man” is now available on Substack drcurriemyers.substack.com for all paid subscribers. In this book, I present compelling evidence that within the last decade, America is going into a quick decent into the “wilding” of human beings. A phenomenon that is perpetuated by the lack of faith, family, and formation in our human development. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

This week I was the guest-host on the Lou Desmond Show on KMET in San Bernardino. This week, it was an election night discussion on the possible outcomes!

Don’t forget my podcast also available on Spotify on America’s Criminologist with Dr. Currie Myers.

And please join me on X. This is a very important platform for distributing my work. Dr Currie Myers

Here are my pressing issues this week that I have offered an opinion on as an applied criminologist, ethicist and career law enforcement officer at the local, state, and federal level:

This week, I gave my list of the top 20 unsafe cities in America! Across the United States, cities are grappling with surging crime rates, delayed police response times, and serious shortages in law enforcement personnel. The grim statistics reveal a nationwide crisis where public safety is at risk, leaving citizens vulnerable and calling into question the efficacy of recent reforms. Major urban centers face not only the consequences of these policies but also the overwhelming demand for resources to effectively counter the rise in crime. Here is my list of the top twenty most unsafe cities in America.  

  1. St. Louis, Missouri 

    Crime: High violent crime rate, aggravated assault cases, criminal vagrancy, drug gangs, migrant crime. 

    Challenges: 100+ police vacancies, police funding, jail funding, low arrest levels, bail reform, homicide closure rate. 

  1. Memphis, Tennessee 

    Crime: 54% increase in violent crime since 2019, Over 9,000 violent crimes reported, criminal vagrancy, drugs, migrant crime. 

    Challenges: police vacancies, police-community relations, police standards, low arrest rates, homicide closure rate.  

  1. Detroit, Michigan 

    Crime: 2,000+ violent crimes per 100,000 residents, property crime up by 13%, criminal vagrancy, drugs

    Challenges: 40% of police response times exceed 15 minutes, police staffing, gangs, police funding, police standards, low arrests rates, homicide closure rate. 

  1. Baltimore, Maryland 

    Crime: Clearance rate below 50% for violent crimes, criminal vagrancy, drug, gangs, migrant crime. 

    Challenges: 300+ police vacancies, low arrest rates, police standards, poor prosecution, excessive supplementation of fines and fees in budget, homicide closure rate.  

  1. Oakland, California 

    Crime: Burglaries and car thefts up significantly, with a 50% increase in auto thefts, criminal vagrancy, drugs, migrant crime. 

    Challenges: Response times averaging 18+ minutes, Prop 47 Consequences, controversial bail reform, police staffing, police standards, poor prosecution, low arrest rates, homicide closure rates, excessive supplementation of fines and fees in budget. 

  1. Cleveland, Ohio 

    Crime: High carjacking rates, drugs, gangs, migrant crime. 

    Challenges: Police staffing at historic lows, police funding, homicide closure rates, low arrest rates. 

  1. New Orleans, Louisiana 

    Crime: Highest homicide rate per capita among major cities, drugs, gangs, migrant crime. 

    Challenges: Police force down 50% from needed levels, police funding, police standards, homicide closure rate, low arrest levels, excessive supplementation of fines and fees in budget. 

  1. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 

    Crime: 40% increase in auto thefts, property crime, violent crime, drugs 

    Challenges: Police response times over 20 minutes, police staffing, police funding, low arrest levels. 

  1. Chicago, Illinois 

    Crime: Over 2,800 shootings, smash-and-grab robberies, 15% rise in overall crime, high violent crime, criminal vagrancy, drugs, gangs, migrant crime 

    Challenges: Cashless bail, low arrest levels, DEI, police standards, poor prosecution, homicide closure rate, excessive supplementation of fines and fees in budget, police staffing.  

  1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

    Crime: Record-breaking carjackings, criminal vagrancy, high robbery rates, high aggravated assault rates, drugs, gangs. 

    Challenges: bail reforms, poor prosecution, police staffing, homicide closure rate, jail funding, high police complaints founded (24%), low arrest rate. 

  1. Albuquerque, New Mexico 

    Crime: High rates of auto theft, Rising property crimes, migrant crime, criminal vagrancy, drugs, gangs

    Challenges: Bail reform, homicide closure rate, police funding, jail funding, low arrest rates.  

  1. Indianapolis, Indiana 

    Crime: Increasing gun violence, gangs, drugs, migrant crime 

    Challenges: Police funding, police staffing, homicide closure rate, low arrest rates. 

  1. Washington, D.C. 

    Crime: Surge in carjackings, high robbery rates, criminal vagrancy, drugs, gangs, migrant crime 

    Challenges: Metro system crime increase, excessive supplementation of fines and fees in budget, police staffing, low arrest rates 

  1. Kansas City, Missouri 

    Crime: High rates of gun violence, violent crime, property crime, criminal vagrancy, migrant crime, gangs, drugs.  

    Challenges: Controversial bail reforms in place, jail funding, prosecution, police staffing, low arrest levels. 

  1. San Francisco, California 

    Crime: High-profile retail theft, car break-ins, drug-related crimes, criminal vagrancy, drugs, gangs

    Challenges: Prop 47 Consequences, controversial bail reforms in place, excessive supplementation of fines and fees in budget, police staffing, jail funding 

  1. Minneapolis, Minnesota 

    Crime: Rising violent crime, migrant crime, gangs, drugs 

    Challenges: Increasing response time issues, jail funding, prosecution, DEI, police staffing, homicide closure rate.  

  1. Portland, Oregon 

    Crime: Significant increase in gun violence, criminal vagrancy, drugs, gangs

    Challenges: Police staffing shortages, police funding, jail funding, DEI, homicide case closure rates.  

  1. Houston, Texas 

    Crime: High violent crime rates, growing gang activity, migrant crime  

    Challenges: Homicide case closure rates, police staffing, high police complaints founded (38%), low arrest rates. 

  1. Atlanta, Georgia 

    Crime: Violent crime surge, high-profile shootings, street racing issues, drugs, gangs, migrant crime

    Challenges: Jail funding, police staffing, low arrest levels 

  1. (Tie) Los Angeles, California 

    Crime: Home robberies, organized retail theft, criminal vagrancy, migrant crime, drugs, gangs

    Challenges: Prop 47 Consequences, police staffing, prosecution, low arrest levels, property crime, violent crime, drugs, gangs, migrant crime 

Main Challenges for Law Enforcement  

Police Response Times, Staffing Shortages, and Closure Rates 

Police departments across many of these cities face persistent staffing issues that directly impact public safety. In Detroit, Baltimore, and Memphis, staffing levels are so low that response times have slowed, and fewer officers are available for proactive patrols. Detroit and St. Louis, for example, has struggled for years to retain officers, which stretches the force thin and delays responses to both violent and property crimes. In Baltimore, Minneapolis, and San Francisco, officer shortages have made it challenging to maintain a strong presence in high-crime neighborhoods, allowing crime to flourish unchecked. Nearly every city on this list has significantly case closure rates. As of 2022, the following cities have some of the lowest homicide clearance rates on the list:  

  • New Orleans, LA - 35% clearance rate  

  • Minneapolis, MN - 38% clearance rate 

  • St. Louis, MO - 40% clearance rate 

  • Baltimore, MD - 41% clearance rate 

  • Chicago, IL - 42.5% clearance rate 

The Homelessness Crisis (Criminal Vagrancy)  

Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle illustrate the correlation between increasing homelessness and rising crime rates. 52% of the homeless population in America is in California. Los Angeles, which has one of the largest homeless populations in the country, has seen neighborhoods transform as encampments take over public spaces. Drug addiction and mental health issues frequently intersect in these environments, which leads to increased property crimes and even violent incidents. San Francisco’s homelessness issue is exacerbated by skyrocketing housing costs, further straining social services. 

Migrant Crime 

Cities across America face unique challenges associated with their proximity to international borders. These cities are often sites for drug and human trafficking networks, which can bring crime and violence into otherwise low-crime areas. Aurora, CA and Springfield, OH, while generally considered safe compared to other cities on this list, faces ongoing issues related to trafficking and illegal entry, which strain local law enforcement resources. 

Inadequate Police Presence and Recruitment Challenges 

Across Chicago, Milwaukee, and Oakland, police departments report record low numbers of new recruits and high levels of burnout. In Chicago, police shortages have led to reduced patrols in certain areas, creating opportunities for crime to escalate unchecked. Milwaukee faces similar challenges, with many officers retiring or leaving the profession, further reducing law enforcement's preventive capabilities. These shortages erode the deterrent effect of a police presence, leaving residents vulnerable and police departments overworked. 

Property Crime Rate Increases 

Rising property crime rates have significantly impacted quality of life in cities like Albuquerque, Los Angelas, San Francisco, and Oakland. Albuquerque has consistently high property crime rates due to factors such as economic disparity and a lack of preventive policing resources. The three California cities has seen a sharp increase in thefts and burglaries, which many attribute to understaffing and resource shortages within the police departments, but also the consequences of Proposition 47 so that was passed in 2014 that virtually decriminalized property crimes.  

Assault and Battery Increases 

One of the best barometers to examine in crime statistics is the number of assault and battery cases. Cities with high violent crime rates, such as St. Louis, Birmingham, and Memphis, continue to report increased incidents of assault and battery. In St. Louis, assaults often stem from gang violence and territorial disputes, while in Birmingham and Memphis, poverty and lack of economic opportunities are cited as drivers of violent crime. These crimes further strain emergency response systems, as victims often require medical care and extended social support, increasing the financial and emotional toll on communities. 

Impact of Cashless Bail Reforms 

The implementation of cashless bail has generated significant controversy, especially in cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Cashless bail aims to reduce the incarceration of economically disadvantaged individuals before trial, but critics argue it allows repeat offenders back onto the streets without adequate oversight. New York, where cashless bail has been widely adopted, has seen several cases where individuals released under these reforms reoffend, raising concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of these policies. 

The Problem of Crime Under-Reporting and Non-Reporting  

The under-reporting and non-reporting of crime have become significant issues, distorting our understanding of real crime rates and challenging law enforcement efforts. Many factors contribute to this phenomenon, including victims' distrust in the justice system, fear of retaliation, and a perception that reporting won’t lead to meaningful action or resolution. Certain communities, particularly marginalized or immigrant groups, may also avoid reporting due to fear of deportation or further victimization. Additionally, rising instances of minor crimes being deprioritized or reclassified—often due to policy changes aimed at reducing prison populations—can discourage individuals from reporting, believing that these incidents will be ignored or under-penalized. This under-reporting creates a false narrative that crime rates are declining when, in reality, criminal activities may be rising or remaining steady. Consequently, the gap between reported crime and actual crime hinders law enforcement's ability to allocate resources effectively, leaving many communities underserved and vulnerable. Addressing this issue requires rebuilding public trust, ensuring appropriate responses to all crime levels, and implementing accurate crime-tracking mechanisms that account for unreported incidents. 

The Economic Principle of Capacity Constraint in Public Safety 

The economic principle at play when the volume of occurrences overwhelms the ability to handle the output is known as bottlenecking, or more broadly, it can be described as capacity constraint. In a bottleneck scenario, a system—whether it’s a production line, a service organization, or a public agency—hits a limit in its capacity to manage the workload, creating a backlog or delays in output. As the demand exceeds the system's capacity to respond, efficiency drops, and the quality of output may suffer as resources become overextended. In the context of law enforcement or public services, this principle becomes evident when there are too many incidents for the available personnel, budget, or infrastructure to handle effectively. For instance, if crime incidents rise dramatically without a proportional increase in law enforcement resources, the agency may become overwhelmed, leading to slower response times, reduced investigative quality, and an inability to address all cases. This bottleneck can reduce the overall effectiveness of the agency and lower public satisfaction and trust. Addressing such bottlenecks often requires either increasing capacity (e.g., hiring more staff, enhancing technology) or optimizing current processes to handle the workload more efficiently. 

Opportunities for Improvement  

America’s most dangerous cities face a public safety crisis driven by intertwined issues. While each city has unique challenges, some common threads could inform potential solutions. 

Investing in Police Departments and Public Safety: Increasing funding for police recruitment and retention is critical. Addressing staffing shortages and ensuring enough officers are available for preventive measures will help restore community trust and improve response times, particularly in cities with severe understaffing, like Detroit and Baltimore. Agencies should set a key performance indicator that includes any “founded” complaints that is made public. That percentage should be if an agency has an unfounded percentage that dips below 89% (11% founded) that should be a yellow line for caution and anything below 80% (20% founded) complaints should be a red line. Additionally, each agency should be transparent and show graphs that show agency funding levels, agency staffing levels, arrest rates, and case closure rates. 

Addressing Criminal Vagrancy: Cities like Los Angeles and Seattle can benefit from increased investment in mental health services, addiction recovery programs, and affordable housing. Providing alternative solutions to homelessness could alleviate some of the crime issues associated with large encampments and improve public safety for both the housed and the homeless populations. This can be accomplished through court systems being given three approaches to mandatory sentencing, which include jail time, mandatory mental health treatment and mandatory drug treatment, or a combination of all three options.  

Reevaluating Bail Reform: While cashless bail aims to promote fairness, it has demonstrated unintended consequences that need addressing. A tiered system that considers the nature of the crime and individual risk could help reduce recidivism while still supporting equity within the justice system. Studies have shown that cities that have unilaterally applied cashless or zero bail policies have recidivism rates that are 10-15% higher than those that use assessment standards for bail. This can be accomplished by each county prosecutor being mandated to monitor recidivism rates with respect to bail.  

Re-Application of Focus Deterrence: Focus deterrence is a vital strategy in law enforcement, aimed at reducing crime by focusing resources and consequences on high-risk offenders and specific crime hotspots. This approach is based on identifying and directly engaging individuals or groups responsible for a significant portion of crime, offering them support and incentives to avoid criminal activity while making clear that any violations will bring swift and severe penalties. Types of focused deterrence include group violence intervention, where authorities target gangs and violent groups with strict sanctions for future infractions, and drug market intervention, which focuses on breaking up street-level drug activity in specific neighborhoods. Custom notifications and call-ins—personalized messages to offenders about law enforcement’s close monitoring—also play a critical role. Through these methods, law enforcement can achieve meaningful reductions in crime by concentrating efforts on the most impactful targets, fostering safer communities without spreading resources too thinly across broad, generalized enforcement. This can be accomplished through Evidence-Based Policing measures.  

Police-Parole Interagency Discipline: Enhancing the monitoring of recidivism rates and probation violations is essential for effective crime prevention and community safety. Police and probation officers can collaborate to closely track individuals on probation, ensuring they comply with conditions that are meant to deter future criminal behavior. Monitoring systems that regularly assess and analyze recidivism rates provide valuable data, helping law enforcement identify patterns and adjust strategies to prevent repeat offenses. By proactively addressing probation violations—such as missed check-ins, failure to attend mandated programs, or associating with known offenders—law enforcement can intervene before individuals re-offend or escalate their criminal activities. Strengthening these monitoring efforts not only reinforces accountability for those under probation but also deters others in the community by showing that violations carry tangible consequences. This coordinated approach between police and probation departments can ultimately reduce repeat offenses and promote long-term compliance among those re-entering society. This can be accomplished through Evidence-Based Probation measures.  

Strengthening Community Engagement: Community involvement and transparency are essential in high-crime areas. Programs that facilitate resident-police cooperation, neighborhood watches, and community policing can bridge the trust gap in cities where residents feel neglected or unprotected. Law enforcement agencies must be transparent and accountable to the public with key performance indicators measured and for public dissemination.  

Conclusion 

The Crisis of Crime in America’s Cities In many ways, the issues facing America’s most dangerous cities are symptoms of larger social and economic struggles that require a collaborative approach across local, state, and federal levels. By addressing the root causes of crime—from migrant crime and mental health to police understaffing and judicial reform abuses—cities can create safer, more resilient communities. The solution is multifaceted, requiring targeted investment, policy reform, and active community participation to ensure that America’s urban centers become places where residents can live safely and without fear. 


On election night, Donald Trump clinched the presidency once again, with Republicans securing control of the U.S. Senate through decisive victories in Montana, Ohio, and West Virginia. This means the GOP will hold at least a 52-48 majority in the Senate, placing one chamber firmly in the hands of Trump’s allies. Though control of the House of Representatives remains uncertain with several races uncalled, Republicans have added three more seats to their slim majority. Trump's victory signifies more than just a partisan win; it’s a clear mandate for a bold new direction on issues that have been top of mind for American voters—especially crime and immigration. 

For at least the next two years, Trump will have the leverage to drive his agenda in Washington. This includes his plans to slash taxes, restrict immigration, and prioritize law enforcement reforms that align with the priorities of many Americans. But beyond legislative control, a Republican Senate offers Trump another strategic advantage: the power to appoint conservative judges and key personnel across government agencies, potentially shaping the judicial and administrative landscape for years to come. These appointments will bolster his ability to enact policies in line with his promises, affecting everything from tax reform to crime prevention. 

The Crime Wave Backlash 

It’s no coincidence that voters overwhelmingly voiced their concerns on public safety and crime. In California, Proposition 36—a ballot measure amending the controversial Proposition 47 criminal justice reforms—passed in a landslide, with 70.5% of voters favoring a change. Proposition 47, initially marketed as a way to reduce prison populations and redirect funding, had devastating unintended consequences. By downgrading several offenses and reducing penalties, it inadvertently fueled what many residents see as an ongoing crime wave. Proposition 36’s success sends a clear signal: Californians, like voters nationwide, are fed up with policies that prioritize offenders over the safety of law-abiding citizens. 

Exit polls tell the story in stark numbers and re-affirm the Pew Research. Among Trump voters, 94% considered crime and safety a top priority, while 90% identified immigration as a significant issue. These figures speak volumes about the American mindset and should be taken as a warning to policymakers. Americans are tired of the increasing disorder in their communities, which has only worsened in recent years. Proposition 36’s victory, alongside Trump’s win, marks a shift in public tolerance of “reform” policies that ultimately make neighborhoods less safe. 

Immigration: A Key Driver 

Trump’s promise to enforce stricter immigration controls resonated with voters as well. Across the country, Americans are weary of lax immigration policies that strain public resources and exacerbate security issues. Under previous administrations, border enforcement suffered as leniency took precedence, leading to increased illegal crossings and a strain on local communities. Trump’s win serves as a mandate to return to the policies he championed in his first term, which emphasized securing the border and enforcing immigration laws as a means of protecting American jobs and public safety. 

For Trump supporters, securing the border isn’t just about law and order; it’s about preserving a sense of control and stability that has been missing from the immigration debate for too long. Many see unchecked immigration as a factor contributing to crime, economic strain, and a diluted sense of national identity. Trump’s victory is a clear message from voters demanding that the government put American safety and security first. 

A Referendum on Law and Order 

This election wasn't just a victory for Trump; it was a referendum on law enforcement and public safety. The data is hard to ignore as crime has surged in many parts of the country, Americans are increasingly skeptical of “reforms” that seem to put criminal justice before public justice. Trump voters, in particular, have had enough. They seek a government that prioritizes their safety and cracks down on both crime and the factors fueling it, including ineffective policies at the local and state levels. 

In the past, many states and cities adopted “criminal justice reform” measures like Proposition 47 with the best intentions. However, the reality on the ground has been starkly different. As crime spiked in neighborhoods that once felt safe, Americans began to question whether the reforms were worth the cost. In response, Trump’s campaign and his allies in the GOP leaned into a strong law-and-order message, pledging to undo the damage and return a sense of security to American streets. 

The overwhelming support for Proposition 36 in California underscores this shift in public sentiment. Californians, once at the forefront of criminal justice reform, are now leading the charge for common-sense adjustments to policies that aren’t working. Trump’s victory, coupled with wins for initiatives like Proposition 36, signals a powerful movement: a call for reforms that don’t sacrifice the safety and stability of American communities. 

Trump’s Legislative Roadmap 

With control of the Senate, Trump and his allies are well-positioned to push forward their legislative priorities. Immigration and crime will be top of mind, and the GOP-led Senate will likely support bills that align with Trump’s vision. For instance, tougher sentencing laws, policies to curb illegal immigration, and initiatives to support law enforcement agencies are all on the table. 

This unified agenda will also enable Trump to work more effectively with local law enforcement across the country. America’s police departments have been stretched thin, with morale often impacted by what they see as anti-police rhetoric and policies. A Trump administration with control of the Senate can change that, working to restore respect for law enforcement while also addressing the root causes of crime. 

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing my own views on the specific criminal justice priorities that the new administration should consider. This agenda will reflect the values Americans have expressed loud and clear at the ballot box: a commitment to safe streets, secure borders, and a renewed focus on the well-being of law-abiding citizens. 

A New Chapter in American Politics 

Trump’s victory is more than a political win; it’s a re-affirmation of core values that too many felt were slipping away. Americans have sent a message: they want leadership that puts them first, protects their communities, and respects the rule of law. Trump’s next two years will be critical for enacting policies that address these concerns, and he has a rare opportunity to restore faith in government by delivering on his promises. 

As the Trump administration gears up for another term, Republicans in both chambers must keep their priorities aligned with the needs of their constituents. The American people have spoken, and their mandate is clear: they want an end to policies that encourage crime, an immigration system that makes sense, and a government that works for them—not against them. It’s now up to Trump and his allies in Congress to answer that call, ensuring a safer, stronger America for all.

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Okay here is my five-minute blitz on CJ News and Information for this week:

From Townhall: Arizona voters on Tuesday approved a GOP ballot measure that could make crossing the U.S.-Mexico border illegally a state crime. Local law enforcement would be able to make arrests and local judges could order the deportation of those convicted. Proposition 314, also known as the Secure the Border Act, is similar to a Texas law that is currently being challenged by the federal government. While the measure passed on Tuesday, it cannot go into effect until the Supreme Court rules Texas’ law is constitutional.

From the California Globe: California leads the nation in fentanyl deaths, homelessness and retail theft thanks to Proposition 47. For those who haven’t personally witnessed daily brazen theft in mom and pop convenience stores, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, grocery stores and high end retail stores, or noticed how many items are now under lock and key, Prop. 47 reduced a host of serious felonies to misdemeanors, including drug crimes, date rape, and all thefts under $950, even for repeat offenders who steal every day. Proposition 47 was passed by tragically misinformed voters in 2014, and flagrantly titled “The Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act” by then Attorney General Kamala Harris. Prop. 47 also decriminalized drug possession from a felony to a misdemeanor, removed law enforcement’s ability to make an arrest in most circumstances, as well as removing judges’ ability to order drug rehabilitation programs rather than incarceration. Voters throughout the country want tougher criminal penalties, and in California are about to get them. In fact, California voters are so exhausted from the state’s escalating violent crime and business-killing retail theft, as well as the dismissive response from Democrats, we overwhelmingly just passed Proposition 36, which will make significant reforms to California drug and theft laws and flip Prop. 47 on its head. This is big. Notably, Gov. Gavin Newsom and most legislative Democrats oppose tougher criminal penalties, and have unbridled disregard for crime victims. California’s ongoing crime crisis is everywhere – no one is spared, except high ranking politicians and Hollywood elite who have security. Crime and rampant retail theft throughout California cities has caused thousands of small business and store closures. Escalating fentanyl overdoses are killing young Californians at a stunning rate. The fundamental problem with Proposition 47 was serial retail theft, or “petty theft with priors,” which could no longer be cumulatively charged and prosecuted, as we emphasized earlier, even for repeat offenders who steal every day. That all changes on Day 1 with passage of The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act. The measure will hold repeat offenders accountable for the safety of our communities, rather than putting them back on the streets. As the Globe has reported and according to experts involved in the initiative, the day the initiative passes, a thief caught a third time, with any prior theft charges on his adult record, can be charged with a felony. And if he is caught stealing a fourth time, he is eligible for prison. The discretion will remain with the District Attorneys and Judges, but the law will be restored to allow increased penalties with increased thefts. Congratulations California voters and welcome back to sanity! Next is for you all to remember that a two-party system of competition works best for democracy so consider that little golden nugget for 2026!

Staying in California, former Assistant U.S.  Attorney General for the Tax Division and current General Counsel for Ross LLP Nathan Hochman defeated incumbent Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon in a landslide on Tuesday, with Hochman now up with over 61% as of Wednesday morning with 59% of precincts reporting. Both Hochman and Gascon have been battling it out for the LA County DA race since March, when Gascon managed to get just over 25% of the vote in the primary, while Hochman barely beat out Assistant DA Jonathan Hatami 16% to 13% of the vote, or roughly 36,000 votes. However, the negative backlash over Gascon’s reform-minded policies, which included reduced sentencing, death penalty opposition, and general discontent from many, quickly swung towards Hochman’s favor. With so many opposed to Gascon, Hochman quickly jumped into first in the race following the primary. Hochman had also earlier said that “It’s a big job, but I am absolutely energized by the fact that I’ve got over 750 prosecutors who are ready to get to work. I’ve got tens of thousands of law enforcement officers who will no longer say ‘my hands are tied.”

More on the Advent of Feral Man: A Florida mother is facing murder and attempted murder charges after she allegedly set herself and her 2-year-old and 8-month-old children on fire. While the 2-year-old survived, the youngest child died some two months after the incident, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to a fire involving 26-year-old Esther Thelus, 8-month-old Davinci Joseph and a 2-year-old boy at a home around 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 26 in the 7000 block of Hiawassee Oaks Drive in Orlando. Thelus had burns to over half her body while burns covered 80 to 90% of Davinci’s body, a probable cause arrest affidavit. The 2-year-old suffered minor burns. Paramedics rushed all three to a hospital. While en route, first responders had to resuscitate the baby. Doctors advised they did not expect the child to survive but he fought for two months until he died on Oct. 25, police say. Detectives discovered Thelus bought a lighter, gas can and gasoline at a nearby 7-Eleven gas station just moments before she set them all ablaze. Earlier in the day, Thelus had dropped off the 2-year-old with the man she said was the father. She told him she and Davinci were moving to Ft. Lauderdale and she no longer wanted to care for the older child because she felt “humiliation.” However, the alleged father refused to care for the child until a DNA test proved the boy belonged to him. After Thelus returned from the gas station, she gathered the two kids and went outside, her roommate told detectives. The roommate’s daughter walked outside to take out some garbage and was greeted with a horrible sight. “She’s killing the kids! They are all on fire!” she reportedly exclaimed. Neighbors used towels to stifle the flames.

And a little levity: This bizarre crime was committed by a man in Newington, CT who crashed his station wagon into a gas station and stole a single banana. He then proceeded to eat the banana in full view of the gas station, before casually driving away. The man did not try to conceal himself or his identity, and he didn’t take anything else from the gas station besides the banana. Witnesses of the incident were shocked by the man’s boldness and audacity. The police are still searching for the infamous fruit thief, and they have asked the public to report any information that could help them find him.


This is Dr Currie Myers, America’s Criminologist. To view my work please visit drcurriemyers.substack.com and please share and like our page! And please remember my friends at Howard Wagyu for some of the best beef in America. Howard Wagyu, Kansas homegrown Wagyu Beef so tender you can cut your steak with a fork! Stay safe and have a great weekend!

Dr C

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Crime and Society Newsletter
America's Criminologist with Dr. Currie Myers
Talking crime and criminal justice issues with renown Criminologist Sheriff (Ret) Currie Myers, PhD, MBA. MS.
Dr Myers is an applied criminologist and public policy ethicist that is billed as "America's Criminologist" a media favorite on podcasts, radio, and television.