Joseph Russell’s crime reduction plan for Kaufman County:
“Keeping violent, big city crime away from Kaufman County requires a proactive approach from our judicial system. My comprehensive plan to keep our families safe focuses on tougher sentencing for violent criminals, additional efforts to reduce juvenile crime, ending low bail policies while adding common sense conditions to bail bonds, and smart rehabilitation for non-violent offenders. We live in the best county in Texas, and we need to do everything we can to protect our families, schools, and businesses.”
Reduce Juvenile Crime
Joseph will coordinate with Kaufman County’s juvenile probation office to encourage a firm and productive approach to putting troubled children on the right track. This effort will include outreach programs for at-risk youth, quarterly round table discussions with law enforcement officials and school districts, and when needed, tough punishment. As needed, he will also hold parents accountable for the criminal actions of their children.
Provide No-Nonsense Punishment
Justice for the victims of crime often requires the toughest punishment allowed under the law. To reduce the number of repeat offenders of violent crime, Joseph will take a no-nonsense approach to making sure the punishment fits the severity of a crime to take our most egregious criminals off the streets and away from our families.
Tough Conditions for Bail Release
Many liberal judges are content with releasing violent criminals and career offenders out of our jails via low bail with limited conditions – putting their victims at risk of retaliation or further violence. To best protect our community, Joseph will make sure the amount and condition of any bail fits the severity of the crime, including assigning no bail in the worst criminal cases. In addition, there will be electronic monitoring and reporting requirements for those arrested for drunk driving. Other conditions will be tailored as needed for the charge alleged to keep Kaufman County safe.
Help Rehabilitate Troubled Youth
While many juvenile criminals earn tough sentences, there are young, non-violent offenders that require a more subtle approach to get them on track to become law abiding adults. When appropriate and not posing a threat to public safety, Joseph will encourage drug and psychiatric treatment, job training initiatives, and community service efforts. Deterrence programs will also be implemented by Joseph to intervene and monitor high-risk groups and individuals to prevent future criminal activity, especially violent crimes.
Strengthen Neighborhood Safety
As our Judge, Joseph will not be content just sitting behind the bench. He will take a proactive approach to keeping our families safe by working with neighborhood crime watch groups and coordinating with city and county leaders to implement smart solutions that keep big city crime away from Kaufman County communities.
Prioritize Mental Health
Too many low-level, non-violent crimes are committed by people with untreated mental health issues. Joseph will coordinate with the Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s offices to improve evaluations of those with mental health concerns and help them seek treatment so they may become contributing members of our community.