An emerging argument within Democratic policy circles is urging the party to take firmer ownership of the public safety debate, warning that avoiding the issue has allowed Republicans to define both the problem and the political narrative.
The case is laid out in a recent op-ed that contends Democrats paid a price in the 2024 election cycle by appearing hesitant or defensive on crime and safety. The author argues that public safety is not a partisan talking point but a fundamental responsibility of government and one that Democrats must address directly, clearly and with results.
Central to the argument is a call for a broader definition of public safety that goes beyond policing alone. The framework emphasizes preventing crime before it occurs, responding effectively when it does, ensuring fairness in the justice system and reducing the likelihood that people reoffend after serving their time.
Several Democratic-led cities are cited as examples of this approach in action, with Los Angeles highlighted as a leading case study. There, city leaders established an Office of Community Safety to coordinate public health professionals, violence intervention workers and law enforcement under a unified strategy. Programs such as violence interruption teams, credible messenger initiatives and the Gang Reduction and Youth Development program aim to address the social and economic factors that contribute to crime, particularly among young people.
The city has also focused on enforcement paired with accountability. A Retail Theft Task Force has led to more than 350 arrests and the recovery of tens of millions of dollars in stolen goods. Police recruitment has reached a four-year high, and homicides dropped 14 percent in 2024 to their lowest total in nearly 60 years.
Efforts to reduce recidivism are another pillar of the strategy, including expanded juvenile reentry programs, diversion for mental health and addiction crises and job pathways for formerly incarcerated residents.
The op-ed contrasts this approach with the punitive policies of the 1990s that fueled mass incarceration and long-term harm in Black and brown communities. Its conclusion is clear: progressive governance and public safety are not at odds, and Democrats must communicate that message forcefully as voters again ask a simple question heading into the midterms — who will keep their families safe.
