Crime Stopper

 When a sentence against a crime isn’t carried out quickly, people are encouraged to commit crimes. – Ecclesiastes 8:11

The topic of the rising crime rate is on the news every evening. But politicians and judges continue to struggle on how to reduce crime. While I know the problem of crime has multitudes of causes; I personally believe people are no longer afraid of the judicial system. Judges and courts have been negligent to sentence repeat offenders for serious crimes. Shawn Laval Smith who had a history of mental illness and a lengthy criminal record that stretched from coast to coast, was charged with the fatal stabbing of a 24-year-old woman working in a LA furniture store. If convicted, it will be interesting to see his sentence.

People no longer respect (or fear) authority. Romans 13:1 Children are disruptive in school because authority has been removed. People no longer respect police because police have their hands tied in restraining crime. Criminals no longer fear our courts.

Of 339 inmates, roughly 10 percent of the death-row population, were under sentence of death for twenty years or more at the end of 2005 (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2005).

On October 3, 2018, seven law enforcement officers were shot, and five civilians were injured in Florence, South Carolina. Two of the officers were killed. Fredrick Hopkins was arrested and after three years is still awaiting trial. Who knows how long the trial will take? Then we will wait for the sentencing. And then we will wait years while he exhausts his appeals.

The Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees a defendant a speedy trail but what about a speedy trial for the victim's family?

Violence

 

This year, many Americans have experienced significantly higher levels of violence both personally and within their communities. Gun violence and gun crime, in particular, have risen drastically, with over 19,000 people killed in shootings and firearm-related incidents in 2020.

The roots of violence tend to be complex. And often, they cannot be attributed to a single factor, such as associates, entertainment, or social environment. But I believe that stronger gun control, hiring more police, and instituting stricter laws will not completely solve the problem because the problem is a spiritual problem. I know that sounds simplistic, but Jesus said the root of violence lies within the heart of men. Jesus Christ, who had profound insight into the human heart, stated: “For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thought come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly." Mark 7:21-22 (Emphasis added)

We have removed God from our schools, government, and society and we are reaping the results. Our entertainment industry promotes violence and immorality and as a result, our culture follows suit. Young people want to emulate celebrities that portray violence as an acceptable way to deal with their problems.

Although we are born with certain wrong inclinations, violent behavior is usually learned. Romans 3:23 But the same is true of being peaceable. Romans 12:18 Consider the following points of learning how to be peaceable:

1. 1. “Do not become envious of the man of violence.” Proverbs 3.31

2. 2. Choose your associates wisely Proverbs 16:29 Proverbs 13:20

3. 3. Trust God to deal with the wicked Romans 12:17-19

I am not naive enough to believe that violence can be totally eradicated but I believe that violence can removed from an individual and a family through a relationship with Jesus Christ. And thereby communities can be changed.