DA's proposals won't make communities safer
The article (“Fresh push to crack down on juvenile crime,” Oct. 24) cited Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman’s proposals to “curb crime” by youth. In it, Bregman said the New Mexico Children’s Code is not working. He was correct.
The code is not working because it and each of Bregman’s proposals to fix it are contradicted by research. Responses that promote punishment or deterrence do not effectively reduce youth crime. In contrast, evidence-based responses — such as diversion and restorative practices — decrease the likelihood youth will engage in criminalized behavior, reduce recidivism and address rather than exacerbate the trauma the vast majority of youth who come into the system have already experienced.
Bregman’s proposals would make our communities more dangerous and cause irreparable harm to youth who come into contact with the juvenile and criminal legal systems. If we truly care about ensuring safety and preventing youth from pursuing a “life of crime,” we should move away from punishment and toward positive youth programming.