Smash-and-Grab Deep Dive, Future of U.S. Prisons & More

"The FBI released its annual Crime in the United States estimates for 2023 today showing an 11.6 percent decline in murder, a 3 decline in violent crime, and a 2.4 decline in property crime nationally last year."
 
The FBI's 2023 report shows a 11.6% drop in murder rates, marking the largest one-year decline ever recorded, with over 2,500 fewer victims compared to 2022. Additionally, the violent crime rate has dipped to its lowest levels since the early 1970s, with 363.8 offenses per 100,000 people, showcasing a significant decline from the peaks of the 1990's. While property crime remains stable overall, an ongoing trend in auto theft highlights ongoing opportunities for reform that addresses crime with data in mind.

"There is growing bipartisan agreement on the need to treat organized retail crime differently from simple shoplifting."
 
Despite declining property crime rates across much of the country, high-profile smash-and-grab incidents continue to capture policymakers and public attention. This week, R Street Institute took a deep dive into the issue, exposing some potential blind spots in the dueling narratives and highlighting the difficulty of getting a clear and comprehensive picture of how much of a problem organized retail crime is actually causing. 
 
"Regardless of whether you’re coming back or not, you should be treated like a human being."

Following a deadly prison riot, South Carolina's Lee Correctional Institution launched the "Restoring Promise" program to transform the lives of young, incarcerated men by providing mentorship and personalized living spaces. This initiative, which draws inspiration from successful rehabilitation models in Germany and Norway, seeks to reduce recidivism rates by “normalizing” prison environments to mimic the outside world.

"[These] proposals…do not work and cruelly target our most vulnerable populations, including those struggling with poverty and substance use disorder."

Seattle's new "stay out" zones will ban individuals accused of certain prostitution or drug offenses from visiting specific areas within the city. Failure to comply would carry nearly a year in jail and $5,000 in fines. Critics argue these measures raise serious constitutional concerns, as they can apply even prior to conviction at the discretion of a judge. The bills passed the Seattle City Council last week with only one vote in opposition. 
 
"At first I was frustrated. Then I was disgusted. I came to see the massive injustice in the system."
 
President Biden's clemency record is the lowest of any modern U.S. president; he has granted just 1.4% of petitions received. With over 8,000 clemency requests pending, advocates are urging the president to act on more before his term ends.