The hottest Crime Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

Two Mexicos

Diane Francis • 1218 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy

Mexico's economy is booming, making it the top trading partner for the U.S. since it offers tariff-free exports, especially in manufacturing. This growth is significant, but it also hides the country's ongoing struggles with crime and drug cartels.
The drug trade contributes greatly to violence in Mexico, with over 30,000 murders recorded in a single year. This results in a stark contrast between a thriving economy and a dangerous underworld, leading to chaos in many regions.
The U.S. has a role in Mexico's challenges due to its demand for drugs and porous borders. Solutions like sealing the border and addressing addiction more effectively may be necessary to help both countries combat these issues.

backing up the shark truck

bad cattitude • 240 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy

A recent attack in Washington, D.C. left two National Guard members wounded, raising serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding it, including the history of the shooter, an Afghan man who had worked closely with U.S. forces.
Media coverage has often shifted the blame onto victims or downplayed the violence in a way that sparks outrage but ignores accountability, similar to framing other problematic situations in society.
There's a growing concern about the consequences of large groups of immigrants who may not integrate into American culture, as it can lead to higher crime rates and social instability, which some believe is part of a larger, deliberate strategy.

This Week in Canada: The Reeducation of Jordan Peterson

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 871 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy

Canada is facing a rise in crime and leniency in legal consequences. Many criminals are being released on bail, raising concerns about safety.
Some serious cases are receiving surprisingly light sentences. For instance, a man caught with child exploitation material was given house arrest instead of prison time.
There's noticeable tension between Canadian laws and public perception of justice, with many feeling that the system is too soft on crime.

Open Thread 354

Astral Codex Ten • 2615 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy

You can talk about anything you want in this open thread, like asking questions or sharing ideas. It's a space where people can engage freely.
A commenter points out that the current punishment for shoplifting isn’t being enforced well, which leads to confusion about law enforcement practices. It seems tough laws are in place, but they aren’t effectively used.
There are discussions around political opinions, including some responses to a post about Trump. People are sharing various viewpoints on political endorsements and policies.

Murder, Rape, and the Sexism of Sympathy

Bet On It • 412 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy

Murder is generally considered worse than rape because it takes away life, and without life, there is no hope for recovery. People can often overcome rape, while murder leaves no chance for recovery.
Many people feel uncomfortable discussing rape compared to murder, reflecting a cultural stigma around the topic of sexual violence. This discomfort leads to a tendency to focus more on rape victims, especially women, rather than acknowledging that murder also has severe consequences.
There is a societal bias that prioritizes female suffering over male suffering, resulting in unequal sympathy. This bias can lead to neglect of men who also need help, as people often view murder victims as primarily male and rape victims as primarily female.

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Why California Took So Long To Crack Down On Crime

Michael Shellenberger • 1582 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy

California took a long time to address crime because many believed in being more lenient with laws and focusing on empathy for offenders. This approach aimed to reduce the number of people in prison and decriminalize certain actions.
Over the years, the focus shifted from protecting victims to understanding and helping those who commit crimes, which some argue led to increased lawlessness.
Now, there are signs that California might finally be changing its approach to crime, moving away from past policies that created challenges for public safety.

New York’s Death Wish

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 41 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy

Progressive economic policies like rent controls, higher taxes, and city-run enterprises are likely to reduce housing quality and drive wealthy residents and businesses away, which could shrink tax revenue and strain the city’s finances.
Softer policing combined with rising poverty is likely to increase crime, pushing more people toward private security or even vigilantism when public safety feels inadequate.
If these trends repeat past urban declines, New York’s cultural and economic vibrancy could erode and the poorest residents will suffer the most, with hope for outside intervention but a pessimistic near-term outlook.

By the Numbers: Has Federal Action in DC Reduced Crime?

Maximum Truth • 109 implied HN points • 04 Nov 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy

Federal actions in DC, especially the deployment of the National Guard, likely led to a decrease in homicides, saving around 18 lives. This shows how government intervention can have a direct impact on crime rates.
Other types of crime, like violent and property crimes, did not show significant changes during this period, suggesting that the focus was mainly on reducing murders rather than overall crime.
The cost of federal actions seems justified when considering the lives saved, implying that more resources for law enforcement could be a beneficial long-term strategy for safety.

DC home rule, madhouses, and choices

bad cattitude • 230 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy

Many people in DC believe the city is safe, despite rising crime. It's surprising how different opinions can be about safety when faced with real issues.
Crime stats can be misleading, and people feel there is a lack of accountability in law enforcement. It's crucial to address these problems to ensure community safety.
People believe that open communication about differing opinions is important. When everyone feels they can speak up, it helps create a stronger community and challenges misleading narratives.

Trump is still lying about crime

The Watch • 557 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy

Crime rates in America are mostly falling, but Trump claims they are rising to scare voters. This doesn't match with the actual data showing crime is stable or decreasing.
Trump uses crime as a tool for political gain, which includes spreading fear about threats like migrant crime and gang violence. This strategy helps him justify strict policies against certain groups.
Despite the evidence showing crime is low, Trump's rhetoric has convinced many people that crime is a huge problem. This focus on crime affects public opinion and can shape harmful policies.

San Francisco's Revolt of the Center

KERFUFFLE • 37 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy

San Francisco has seen a drop in crime rates recently. This change is significant and worth noting.
However, not all areas of the city are experiencing the same decline in safety. Some neighborhoods still struggle with crime.
Understanding the factors behind these trends can provide valuable insights into urban safety and policy.

The Crime Reduction Miracle

The Weekly Dish • 94 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy

Liberal democracy can help reduce crime effectively. Many people believe that it is a practical solution to making communities safer.
Pragmatism, or practical thinking, is important in solving social issues like crime. It emphasizes finding workable solutions rather than focusing solely on theory.
The success of reducing crime showcases the value of evidence-based policies. It shows that when we stick to what works, we can see real improvements.

Daniel Penny: The Good Samaritan?

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 145 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Policy

Daniel Penny is charged with manslaughter after a subway incident where he used a chokehold on Jordan Neely, who was threatening passengers. This event raises questions about when it's okay to intervene and how much force is necessary.
Public opinion is split on whether Penny acted as a hero or a villain. Some support him, arguing that he was trying to protect others, while others believe he used excessive force.
The case highlights issues around mental health and safety. Many people find themselves in tense situations with individuals who may be mental health crises, making it hard to know what actions are appropriate to take.