Los Angeles Police Department veteran Deon Joseph has voiced his strong disagreement with Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett’s recent assertion that law enforcement’s role is not to prevent crime. This statement, made during an interview on the “Grounded” podcast, suggested a troubling philosophy about the responsibilities of police officers.
During her discussion with former Senator Jon Tester and journalist Maritsa Georgiou, Crockett questioned the rationale behind President Donald Trump’s deployment of federal resources to combat crime, framing it as an example of a hostile government strategy. She stated, “I mean, we are in the midst of a hostile government takeover, and it is our government that is like bringing the hostility.” Her claim suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of the supportive role these federal agents can play alongside local law enforcement.
Joseph, with over 25 years of experience on the LAPD, challenges Crockett’s assertion. He emphasizes the importance of preventive measures, stating, “As a police officer, I did not sign up to be an after-the-fact entity in the lives of the people I serve.” This perspective is rooted in his experiences policing during the violent years of the 1990s and 2000s, where the loss of life was a stark reality. Joseph argues that crime prevention should be a primary focus of law enforcement: “I would have loved to have more partnerships, more officers to be visible and present to deter all those precious lives from dying.”
Crockett further claimed that law enforcement’s function is solely to solve crimes rather than prevent them. “Law enforcement isn’t to prevent crime. Law enforcement solves crime,” she insisted. Joseph’s response to this statement underscores the flaw in her argument. “Jasmine Crockett is wrong. It is our job to prevent crime. We just need more support,” he stated passionately.
The former officer’s remarks reflect his deep commitment to community safety. He would much prefer to deter crime before it occurs rather than be in the position of notifying families of victims after the fact. He articulates a desire for greater visibility and engagement within the community: “I would rather be visible, meeting with the community, trying to deter it.”
Joseph directly addressed Crockett’s comments, urging her to shift her focus away from political posturing. “Please, think before you speak. Stop playing games with people’s lives.” He called for more support for law enforcement officers, so they can effectively deter crime.
This echoes a growing sentiment seen in cities like Washington, D.C., where crime rates have dropped following increased federal involvement. Joseph noted recent statistics reflecting a decline in various crime categories, which underscores the success of federal support.
Even D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged the positive impact of Trump’s administration’s actions in reducing crime. This bipartisan recognition of effective policy solutions highlights the need for practical approaches rather than political grandstanding.
In closing, Joseph’s remarks serve as a reminder of the overarching goal of law enforcement: to protect communities and prevent victimization. Encouraging a collaborative effort between federal and local entities could pave the way for more effective crime prevention strategies.
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