Our Principles
01
Empowering
We must put citizens first by empowering them to protect themselves and advocate for their rights. We prioritize providing education and resources to help individuals and communities effectively engage in self-advocacy and public safety efforts. Additionally, we offer robust support systems for mental health and resources to help victims of violent crime and their families cope and recover. By fostering a community-centric approach, we aim to create a resilient, self-sufficient society that prioritizes the well-being and safety of all its members.
02
Protecting
Woke radically progressive policies are undermining our public safety. Research shows that more officers, especially well-trained ones, reduce crime and improve policing practices and justice. We need policies that prioritize citizen safety and support police functions through proper funding, allowing law enforcement to focus on their core mission without being distracted or hamstrung by budgets. The Caldwell Institute for Public Safety focuses on advancing legislation that achieves those goals while advocating for politicians and law enforcement officers aligned with those same principles.
03
Proactive
We need policies that focus on targeted interventions rather than simply increasing incarceration rates. Violent crime is concentrated among small networks of individuals, and strategies like “focused deterrence” have proven effective. These strategies involve identifying high-risk individuals, offering support and services to change, and ensuring swift consequences for continued criminal behavior. Non-law enforcement interventions, such as improved street lighting and community efforts to clean and green vacant lots, also help reduce crime.
04
Prudent
Community efforts and funds must be deployed correctly. Unchecked criminal activity undermines economic opportunities and community safety, diverting police resources from serious crimes to non-criminal calls and traffic incidents. Many jurisdictions fail to prosecute quality-of-life crimes, reducing property values and eroding public trust. Investing in mental health and substance abuse services can alleviate these issues, allowing law enforcement to focus on public safety and community trust.
