State of Indiana Archives: on Crime
Andrew Straw:
In some cases, punishment can reduce crime
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Stricter punishment reduces crime"?
A: In some cases, it can reduce crime. Some "crimes" should not be crimes, however, such as marijuana possession or CBD oil possession or growing hemp.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Indiana Senate candidate
Feb 28, 2018
Brian Bosma:
Supports capital punishment, and use of deadly force at home
Q: Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?A: Yes.
Q: Should homeowners be allowed to use deadly force to stop an unlawful entry by law enforcement officers?
A: Yes.
Q: Should a minor accused of a violent crime be prosecuted as an adult?
A: Yes.
Bosma adds, "The above questions are extremely generalized and individual circumstances will dictate the answers."
Source: Indiana Gubernatorial 2012 PVS Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2012
Eddie Melton:
Restore state scholarship eligibility to felony offenders
A General Assembly measure would restore state scholarship eligibility to felony offenders. Sen. Melton said his bill is aimed at preparing offenders for the workforce and giving them a second chance [which has been prohibited since] 2008.
It would affect offenders now in prison for a felony."I think everyone deserves a fair shot if they're trying to better themselves and be productive," said Melton. "I think this will minimize student loan and debt and encourage them to take classes."
Source: Chicago Tribune: Indiana voting record: O'Bannon scholarship
Jan 22, 2019
Eric Holcomb:
Give prosecutors resources to protect vulnerable seniors
Q: How will you strengthen laws to protect seniors from abuse and financial exploitation?Eric J. Holcomb: My administration will support county prosecutors by giving them the tools and resources they need to protect vulnerable adults at the local
level, while at the same time directing the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to work alongside those prosecutors to collaboratively develop best practices for the Adult Protective Services (APS) program. I will also instruct
FSSA to work with Indiana's Prosecuting Attorneys to define the appropriate staff levels needed to protect endangered adults and support legislation to meet those staffing levels.
John R. Gregg: Our APS system is underfunded and understaffed.
I've also pledged to examine and review all state law enforcement agencies. As we conduct these reviews we'll make sure that FSSA, our prosecutors, and law enforcement are working together to properly protect our seniors.
Source: AARP Voter Guide on 2016 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Oct 31, 2016
Eric Holcomb:
Train prisoners to reduce recidivism
In 2018, we began enrolling Department of Correction offenders in programs to train them for high-wage, high-demand jobs everything from welding to computer coding. I said last year we'd graduate 1,000 by 2020 and we're already there, a year ahead of
schedule. In less than a year, we already have coding programs in two of our facilities, and Google.org recently announced it would invest $2 million into this proven program that has a zero percent recidivism rate.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Indiana legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Eric Holcomb:
Signs victims' rights law, tightening criminal penalties
Holcomb has signed a victims' rights bill into law, Senate Enrolled Act 551, which addresses several areas dealing with crime victims [such as] a gap in the current kidnapping and criminal confinement laws by creating an offense when the
kidnapping or criminal confinement results in moderate bodily injury to the victim. The legislation does away with the current practice of offenders having the opportunity to have their felony domestic battery conviction to a misdemeanor.
Source: Eagle Country 99.3FM on 2020 Indiana gubernatorial race
Mar 31, 2019
Eric Holcomb:
Training programs for felons reduced recidivism
I challenged our Department of Correction to graduate 1,000 inmates annually in certified programs that lead to good jobs when they get out--both to boost our economy and because they are less likely to return to prison. I'm happy to report,
that as of today the DOC has graduated more than 3,000 inmates in just two year. Because of these new programs and opportunities, our state recidivism rate has dropped 4 percent.
Source: 2020 Indiana State of the State address
Jan 14, 2020
Eric Holcomb:
For oversight of police & body cameras
Q: Restrict police use of force and increase public oversight?Eric Holcomb: Unclear on use of force. Yes on oversight, requiring body cameras for state police and third-party review of Law Enforcement Academy curriculum.
Woody Myers: Yes. Seeks "new training procedures to eliminate excessive force," choke holds banned, "community-based training," new "accountability policies and procedures."
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
John Gregg:
Push community policing through federal COPS resources
The primary goal of community policing is for officers to work with residents, neighborhood groups, and public and private organizations to identify and resolve issues that affect the quality of life in specific neighborhoods, regions or entire cities.
Community policing stresses prevention, early identification of potential issues--including acts of terrorism--and timely intervention to deal with problems before they become unwieldy.
The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) is dedicated to promoting the community policing approach to law enforcement across the nation. COPS provides technical assistance and training resources, including grants, to assist local law enforcement
agencies with improving community relationships and crime prevention. A Gregg/Hale administration will work with COPS to ensure Hoosier communities have access to these valuable resources for improving safety in our neighborhoods.
Source: 2016 Indiana governor campaign website GreggForGovernor.com
Aug 31, 2016
John Gregg:
Transparent investigations of deadly force incidents
Unfortunately, our country has seen an increase in the number of deadly force incidents between law enforcement officers and citizens. A Gregg/Hale administration will be proactive in providing law enforcement the necessary tools and training to
properly protect our citizens and themselves during volatile encounters. As Governor, John Gregg will promote investigations conducted by trained and independent law enforcement professionals to ensure a thorough, lawful and unbiased review.
The Gregg/Hale team believes that in order maintain public trust and build positive bridges of communication in situations where lives are lost, transparency and thorough investigations are an essential part of the process.
Governor Gregg will support an open, honest and productive environment between the public and police in order to eliminate any ambiguity and apprehension.
Source: 2016 Indiana governor campaign website GreggForGovernor.com
Aug 31, 2016
John Gregg:
Adult Protective Services is underfunded and understaffed
Q: How will you strengthen laws to protect seniors from abuse and financial exploitation?John R. Gregg: Abuse and exploitation of vulnerable Hoosiers is a problem that will be a focus of my administration. A look at our numbers compared to other
states shows that our Adult Protective Services (APS) system is underfunded and understaffed. In office I will work with legislative leaders to make increasing funding for APS a top budget priority and support increasing penalties for abuse and
financial crimes against the elderly. I've also pledged to examine and review all state law enforcement agencies. As we conduct these reviews we'll make sure that Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) , our prosecutors,
and law enforcement are working together to properly protect our seniors.
Eric J. Holcomb: My administration will support county prosecutors by giving them the tools and resources they need to protect vulnerable adults at the local level.
Source: AARP Voter Guide on 2016 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Oct 31, 2016
Mark Hurt:
One small brick in the wall of justice
For over 18 years, Hurt has served as one small brick in the wall of justice by serving as a part-time Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at the local level for the State of Indiana.
In regard to criminal justice reform, Hurt commended the foresight shown by then Governor Mike Pence and the Indiana legislature but noted that more remains to be done.
There is no co-pay and no deductible for patients, for example, receiving mental health care through the prison system. To that end, he commends an expansion of
HIP 2.0 to those leaving the prisons and jails so expanded health care services, transportation, housing and counseling services--medicine evaluation and medical treatment--can occur through forensic diversion.
Source: 2018 Indiana Senate race website, MarkHurt.org
Mar 3, 2017
Mike Pence:
Reduce crime, not penalties for crime
The Indiana criminal code will be updated after House Bill 1006 was signed into law by Gov. Pence. That bill will replace Indiana's A through F felony system with a 1 through 6 system (1 being the most severe). It's the first major overhaul of the state
criminal code since 1978. The governor says he's interested in reducing prison populations. But he wants do that by reducing crime, not by decreasing penalties on some crimes. "I think we need to focus on reducing crime, not reducing penalties," he said.
Source: Indiana Economic Digest on Indiana Voting Records, H.B.1006
May 21, 2016
Mitch Daniels:
Support the death penalty
Indicate which principles you support regarding crime. - Support the death penalty in Indiana.
- Minors accused of a violent crime should be prosecuted as adults.
-
Daniels adds, "Indiana does not currently need additional prison capacity. If/when it does, I will support creating it."
Source: Indiana Gubernatorial Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Mitch Daniels:
Prevent recidivism with vocational training & alternatives
Indicate which principles you support regarding crime. - Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
- Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain
non-violent offenders.
- Daniels adds, "My administration has created a number of prisoner re-entry and community corrections programs to prevent recidivism and provide alternatives to incarceration for appropriate offenders."
Source: Indiana Gubernatorial Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Mitch Daniels:
Strengthen laws against horrid practice of human trafficking
We should--no, we must--strengthen our laws against the horrid practice of human trafficking, and we must do it in time for the
Super Bowl, the kind of event at which the exploitation of young women is rampant in the absence of such a tough law.
Source: Indiana 2012 State of the State Address
Jan 10, 2012
Woody Myers:
Ban choke holds; need community-based training for police
Q: Restrict police use of force and increase public oversight?Woody Myers: Yes. Seeks "new training procedures to eliminate excessive force," choke holds banned, "community-based training," new "accountability policies and procedures."
Eric Holcomb: Unclear on use of force. Yes on oversight, requiring body cameras for state police and third-party review of Law Enforcement Academy curriculum.
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
Mike Braun:
Targeting police should lead to harshest penalties possible
Braun has called for criminals targeting or killing police to serve maximum sentences. "If you try to kill a police officer, you should pay the highest price possible. I support making the targeting of police in a violent crime an aggravating factor in
favor the harshest penalties available." Braun said. Braun hopes to make harsher punishment a reality with the Thin Blue Line Act. The act will ensure criminals targeting, killing, or attempting to kill cops, will have maximum sentences.
Source: WTHI on 2024 Indiana Senate race
Aug 4, 2022
Mike Braun:
Make sure the justice system is not failing law enforcement
Our law enforcement officers are on the front lines keeping us safe and they need our support to do their jobs and return home safely. Indiana law enforcement professionals need increased salaries and improved training to make sure
the justice system is not failing them by refusing to detain dangerous criminals, manipulating the bail system, and intentionally refusing to enforce laws based on a political ideology.
Source: 2024 Indiana Governor campaign website MikeBraunForIndiana
Oct 24, 2023
Mike Braun:
Violent criminals will serve hard time in state prison
Every Hoosier deserves to feel safe in their community. The border crisis allows drugs to flow into our state and brings gangs to our streets, while soft on crime prosecutors refuse to put criminals behind bars. In the Braun administration,
if you commit a violent crime, attack a police officer, or poison our kids with fentanyl then you will serve hard time in state prison.
Source: 2024 Indiana Governor campaign website MikeBraunForIndiana
Oct 24, 2023
Suzanne Crouch:
Prosecution of Trump's crimes is political persecution
On Donald Trump: "It is clear that Joe Biden and the Democrats will stop at nothing when it comes to weaponizing government against Donald Trump.
Hillary Clinton started it seven years ago, and they haven't stopped since. Political persecution has no place in government."
Source: Franklin Daily Journal on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Jun 12, 2023
Eric Doden:
Prevent rogue prosecutors from unilaterally defying our laws
I do not support stripping qualified immunity protections that make it easier to unfairly sue law enforcement officers for doing their jobs.Indianapolis currently ranks as the 12th most violent city in America. Under my Administration, we'll remove
Indianapolis from that list by removing violent criminals from the streets and empowering our law enforcement officers by establishing a bipartisan prosecutor review board to prevent rogue prosecutors from unilaterally defying our laws.
Source: 2024 Indiana Governor campaign website DodenForIndiana.com
Dec 15, 2023
Curtis Hill:
Target criminal organizations, crack down on violent crime
During the 2020 Black Lives Matter riots, Curtis stood firm in support of law enforcement and used his role as attorney general to provide resources and support to law enforcement agencies across Indiana. As a prosecutor, Curtis worked with law
enforcement to proactively target criminal organizations and crack down on violent crime. As governor, Curtis will continue his crackdown on violent criminals and make Indiana the safest place in America to live, work, and raise a family.
Source: 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial campaign website CurtisHill.com
Dec 19, 2023
Jennifer McCormick:
Expunge records for low-level marijuana-related convictions
We will also support the expungement of criminal records for low-level marijuana-related convictions as well
as investments in job programs for those negatively impacted by the criminalization of marijuana to increase the availability of Hoosiers in the workforce.
Source: 2024 Indiana Governor campaign website McCormickForGov.com
Jun 10, 2024
Valerie McCray:
We incarcerate more of our citizens than other countries
Q: What legacy would you like to leave?A: Change the 13th amendment. We incarcerate more of our citizens than other countries in disproportionate amounts based on race and socioeconomic status. While it abolished slavery, it continued to enslave
those who have been imprisoned. We can see this in how the prison industrial complex and the school-to-prison pipeline continue to provide free-labor for this country, without incentive for true rehabilitation or incorporating people back into society.
Source: Candidate Connection on 2024 Indiana Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Suzanne Crouch:
Don't redirect police funds to community programs
Q:CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY:
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs?A: Strongly Disagree
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Aug 8, 2024
Eric Doden:
Develop moral character to maintain law & order
Q: Gun violence is an epidemic in today's American society. How should Indiana respond?A: A deep commitment to law and order. A lot of the issues are coming from people who are disobeying the law, and I don't think we should make gun laws for people
who are obeying the law. We should focus on making sure that we properly prosecute people, that we hold them accountable, that they're just not allowed to go out and feel the freedom to go shoot up a neighborhood or a street without consequences, and
swift consequences. For me, it's about law and order, but then also it's about, how are we training our kids, how are we developing their moral character? A lot of these issues are centered around the development of moral character, and that's why
I look at a lot of these organizations that are trying to help kids, whether it's Boy Scouts or Boys and Girls Club, that are trying to help these kids understand, how should we treat each other? Treat others the way that you want to be treated.
Source: Indianapolis Star on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Jan 10, 2024
Mike Braun:
Add mandatory minimum bail for repeat violent offenders
We're also taking action to protect Hoosiers with the Freedom and Opportunity Public Safety agenda. A major Freedom and Opportunity public safety bill passed out of committee yesterday 8 to 1 on a bipartisan vote.
This bill increases penalties on fentanyl and meth dealers, raises the price for targeting police, and adds mandatory minimum bail for repeat violent offenders.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Indiana legislature
Jan 29, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026