Public Safety

Safe communities are the foundation of a thriving society. As Ranking Member of the House Public Safety Committee, I proudly support the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve.

We’ve made historic investments in law enforcement pay and training, and I’ve worked alongside the Governor and Attorney General to implement Operation Ceasefire—a proven crime-prevention initiative that targets repeat violent offenders. But there is still more work to be done.

While Virginia has traditionally had one of the lowest violent crime and recidivism rates in the nation, we have not been immune to soft-on-crime policies that needlessly create more victims. Sadly, some initiatives enacted under Democratic leadership have led to tragic consequences. One example is the expanded earned sentence credit program, which allows prisoners to be released before completing their sentences. Since the law took effect in 2022, 53 murders have been committed by offenders released early. That’s 53 families who lost a loved one to violence that could have been prevented if the offender had still been behind bars.

We must have laws that respect victims and hold violent offenders accountable. At the same time, we can and should maintain a criminal justice system that is fair, transparent, and focused on rehabilitation. That balance is reflected in my work to successfully establish a local public defender’s office and support reforms to improve conditions within our correctional facilities.

I’ve also supported and sponsored several initiatives to expand access to mental health and substance abuse services. By reaching individuals in crisis before they enter the justice system, we can reduce recidivism, improve lives, and strengthen public safety for everyone.