Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, the leading candidate for Governor, announced the second plank of his policy platform, The Red Print for Missouri, proposing the hiring of 1,000 new police, state control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and programs to reduce recidivism to make our communities safer.

“Soft on crime prosecutors, anti-police activism, diversion of resources, mismanagement, and ignoring the insights of law enforcement officials has undermined Missourians’ right to safety and security,” said Ashcroft.

Ashcroft’s proposal has six key elements:

1. 1,000 New Police in Year One: Two of the top 10 most dangerous cities in America are in Missouri (St. Louis and Kansas City), with St. Louis also having the distinction of being the most violent city in America. I will launch an initiative to hire 1,000 more officers, dispatchers, deputies, and other law enforcement personnel to make sure we have the people we need to keep our communities safe. I will also put a preference on military veterans transitioning from the armed forces to civilian life. We will restore order and accountability.

2. State Control of Police: Major cities like St. Louis, who have mismanaged their police departments, have lost control of their cities with violent and property crime increasing, chasing people and businesses from the city. We can no longer afford to put the people of our cities in further danger by allowing incompetence and corruption while our citizens are unprotected.

3. Truth In Sentencing: The laws on the books have no meaning if we refuse to enforce them. Further undercutting public safety by short-circuiting the justice system does nothing to deter crime and further encourages criminality. As Governor, I will make sure we enforce the laws on the books and ensure convicted criminals serve a meaningful portion of their sentence.

4. Invest in State Mental Health Facilities: It’s time we treat mental health issues for what they are rather than managing the decline of those who are suffering. Allowing mental health and drug abuse to go untreated creates havoc on families and society and increases crime. I want to invest in state mental health facilities that gets those with mental health and drug addiction off the streets and into treatment.

5. Reduce Recidivism with Reentry Programs: It is not enough to incarcerate criminals, we make our communities safer when we also invest in their rehabilitation, and that includes public-private partnerships that help them reenter society. Transitional housing, continued counseling, skills development, job placement support and mentoring opportunities will support self-sufficiency, employment and reduce the risk of reoffending.

6. Continuing Education in Incarceration: Juvenile offenders within the justice system should continue to receive their education, while adult offenders should be provided continuing education options. Education is key to changing your circumstances and a critical component to rehabilitation.

“Our police and first responders face an incredibly difficult task in keeping our families and communities safe, but the lack of leadership and support have undercut our police while giving criminals a green light to offend,” continued Ashcroft. “Violent and property crime puts our citizens at risk and prevents workers and young families from locating in Missouri, while destroying our communities.”

Secretary Ashcroft will announce each of the five planks of The Red Print during the primary campaign. To learn more, visit www.ashcroftformissouri.com.