Welcome to the America’s Criminologist Podcast for October 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 in which our guest was the incomparable John Nantz. John is a retired FBI Special Agent. We discussed his recent Townhall columns Marcus Allen’s Redemption: A Whistleblower’s Fight Against FBI Corruption (townhall.com) and Cowardice or Conviction: Why Christians Must Choose Trump to Uphold Biblical Principles (townhall.com). We also discussed crime related to natural disasters and the epic failure of the Biden-Harris Administration on the recent hurricane response. Mr. Nantz was assigned to the Miami Field Office and subsequently to the Washington Field Office where he retired as a Supervisory Special Agent after twenty years of service. Prior to his FBI career, Mr. Nantz was a Deputy Sheriff. In total, Mr. Nantz has served in the law enforcement community for 26 years. Counterintelligence, surveillance, dignitary protection, criminal investigations, and tactical operations were some of the major components of Mr. Nantz’s local and federal law enforcement career. To hear that interview go to Lou Desmond & Co. | 1490-kmet (kmet1490am.com)
I was also a guest on the Terry Lowry Show out of Houston, Texas. On that show, we discussed Florida’s new homeless law that is drawing some controversy. I will discuss my thoughts on the issue in my upcoming criminal justice memo.
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. @drcurriemyers
Proposition 47 represents a fundamental shift in California’s approach to criminal justice, reflecting a broader trend towards progressive reform. However, as this study has demonstrated, the consequences of these reforms must be carefully examined to ensure they meet their objectives without compromising public safety.
The reclassification of drug and property crimes has led to increases in these offenses, weakening the deterrent effect and creating a “revolving door” within the criminal justice system. While the policy aimed to promote rehabilitation through community programs, many of these initiatives remain underfunded and overwhelmed, falling short of addressing the demands generated by the policy’s implementation.
The shift from incarceration to community-based treatment and support has not been accompanied by adequate resources. Programs targeting mental health and substance abuse, critical to reducing recidivism, have struggled with limited funding, resulting in long waiting lists and unmet needs. This gap in services has contributed to an increase in homelessness and repeat offenses, as individuals are left without the necessary interventions to break the cycle of criminal behavior.
The broader social consequences of Proposition 47, particularly in marginalized communities, are also evident. Though the policy was intended to alleviate the negative impact of incarceration on vulnerable populations, these groups have borne the brunt of rising crime rates and diminished public safety. The increased victimization within these communities has exacerbated crime and social instability further undermining their quality of life.
As trust in the criminal justice system erodes due to rising crime and inadequate public services, public skepticism toward reforms has grown. Many Californians feel less secure in their neighborhoods, and the perception that reforms prioritize the rights of offenders over the safety of citizens has undermined confidence in the effectiveness of these policies. The continuing cycle of criminal behavior, particularly as it affects victims who face repeated offenses by the same individuals, reflects a deeper failure in delivering justice and safety.
For law enforcement officers, Proposition 47 has reshaped their approach to crime, creating new frustrations. Reduced penalties for offenses previously classified as felonies have made it more challenging to arrest and incarcerate repeat offenders, leading to a sense of diminished effectiveness in maintaining public order. Officers are increasingly encountering the same individuals cycling through the system, and the lack of resources for treatment programs further complicates their efforts.
This shift has also affected police morale and expectations. With a greater focus on community-oriented approaches like de-escalation and rehabilitation, law enforcement agencies are required to adjust training and resources. However, the increased complexity of their role, alongside the feeling that their work is being undermined by lax policies, has contributed to increased retirements and resignations among officers.
The unintended consequences of poorly executed criminal justice reforms in California emphasize the complexities of achieving meaningful change. While reducing incarceration and promoting rehabilitation are worthy goals, successful implementation requires careful planning, sufficient resources, and ongoing evaluation. Without these, policies like Proposition 47 risk exacerbating the issues they aim to solve, leading to higher crime rates, strained public services, and a loss of public trust in the criminal justice system. As California continues to grapple with these challenges, it is imperative that future reforms are evidence-based and balanced. Proposition 47, having failed to deliver its promised outcomes, should be reconsidered or repealed before it inflicts further harm on the safety and well-being of Californians.
You can see the full report here.
Florida has enacted one of the strictest anti-homelessness laws in the nation, prohibiting homeless individuals from sleeping on sidewalks, streets, and in parks. The law aims to improve the quality of life for regular citizens by clearing public spaces, which have become congested with homeless encampments, making these areas unsightly, unsafe, and unsanitary. The underlying argument in support of the legislation is straightforward: by prohibiting homeless individuals from occupying public spaces, Florida’s towns and cities can be cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for the everyday person trying to enjoy their neighborhood. Research has found exceedingly high rates of victimization among homeless persons, especially women. Six studies examined the prevalence of victimization in the homeless population, with lifetime rates ranging between 73.7% and 87.0%. Further, the harsh reality of homelessness is the high prevalence of mental illness and substance abuse among the homeless population. In 2022, there were approximately 582,462 people affected by long-term homelessness in the United States. Tragically, homelessness and substance abuse are closely linked. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, nearly 80% of homeless individuals are alcohol or dependent. This intersection of addiction and homelessness creates a cycle of suffering that is extremely difficult to break. Mental illness is another major driver of homelessness. The 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report found that over 122,000 homeless individuals suffer from severe mental illness. Mental illness often leads to substance abuse and vice versa, which, in turn, perpetuates the cycle of homelessness. Given these statistics, addressing the homelessness crisis requires not only housing solutions but comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. Florida’s new law represents a shift in how states are tackling the issue of homelessness. By clearing streets and public spaces, the law prioritizes the safety, cleanliness, and overall quality of life for regular citizens. But it also acknowledges the need to provide shelter and services to the homeless, offering a pathway to recovery for those willing to accept help. Homelessness is a complex issue with no easy solutions, but laws like Florida’s can help create a structure where homeless individuals are given the opportunity to seek treatment for addiction and mental illness. Criminal vagrancy statutes are not about throwing homeless individuals in jail. Instead, they are about creating an environment where homeless people are encouraged—or in some cases, compelled—to seek help. Without enforcement, there is little incentive for those living on the streets to change their behaviors. By combining strict enforcement with compassionate services, states can begin addressing the root causes of homelessness. Other states, particularly those facing homelessness crises of their own, should consider going back to the enforcement of criminal vagrancy. And that the criminal justice memo for the week.
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In some other news:
The Biden-Harris government is announcing it will extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to any Lebanese nationals in the United States as of October 16, 2024. This move will allow them to remain in the country for a total of 18 months and legally apply for work. Announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday, October 17, the order also applies to “any individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Lebanon.” This would include displaced Palestinians and others—some of whom resided in Lebanon as refugees for decades but are currently in the U.S.—to receive protection from deportation and work permits. Response: The decision to extend TPS status to Lebanese nationals raises serious national security concerns. It is unknown to what extent U.S. national security officials have vetted the 11,000 Lebanese nationals and stateless individuals. These are people from a known terrorist backed country and they should never be granted this status.
A press release from the U.S. District Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York, announced the sentencing of a man who will be sent to prison for 45 years for trafficking fentanyl out of a daycare center where a toddler died, and three others were poisoned after they were exposed to the deadly drug. According to NBC News, 35-year-old Felix Herrera Garcia was sentenced to 45 years plus five years of supervised release. Back in June, Garcia pleaded guilty to distributing narcotics resulting in death and possession with intent to distribute narcotics resulting in death. The complaint, indictment, and other documents stated that from at least October 2022 through September 2023, Garcia and others conspired to distribute narcotics out of Divino Niño Daycare in the Bronx. At the daycare, Garcia and his co-conspirators maintained more than 11 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin in secret compartments, or traps, located underneath the floor tiles in the playroom of the daycare, where the children played, ate, and slept on a daily basis. Due to this criminal behavior, the drug conspiracy perpetrated by Garcia and his co-conspirators, four children at the daycare, all of whom were under three years of age, experienced the effects of poisoning from exposure to fentanyl; three of the children were hospitalized and the fourth child, a 22-month-old boy, died.
My podcast also available on Spotify on America’s Criminologist with Dr. Currie Myers. And please join me on X @drcurriemyers
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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America's Criminologist Podcast for October 18, 2024