A Deadly Situation on Our Streets

By John J. Dougherty

John Dougherty will work to make our neighborhoods safer by enabling Philadelphia to enact the strongest gun laws in America.

As Senator, I will fight to give Philadelphia the right to create and enforce its own gun control laws. The gun-related violence problems across the rest of the state pale in comparison to the deadly situation we face in Philadelphia. We deserve the right to control our own destiny and protect our citizens. I also approve of Police Chief Ramsey's recently announced plans to deploy more officers in the streets, with a concentration on the known high-crime zones. I applaud Governor Rendell for providing the funding for 100 more police officers for the city, but I believe still more officers are needed. There are federal dollars available to support local law enforcement efforts and I have the relationships and ability to bring those dollars home.

Furthermore, I will work to close a dangerous loophole in Philadelphia. Pre-trial detention for many classes of crime is nonexistent, due to overcrowding in the city's jails and prisons. Many criminals are aware of this loophole and there is an understanding among crooks that you get a "free pass" to commit certain crimes in Philly - at least before their actual trial. It's a disgrace and if it requires building more jails and prisons to close this loophole, I will fight for it.