Leader Akbari statement on crime prevention announcement in Memphis

Senate minority leader emphasized need to ‘address root causes of crime’

MEMPHIS — Tennessee Senate minority Leader Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, issued a statement calling for accountability and long-term crime prevention following an event with Memphis Mayor Paul Young:

“Everyone in our city — no matter where they live — has a right to be safe from violent crime. I am standing with Mayor Paul Young because I know he takes this responsibility seriously and is committed to making our community safe.

“We also agree that the city and state are strongest when we are working together on both accountability and crime prevention. It’s our job to hold people accountable when they commit crimes and do everything we can to prevent them, not just responding after it happens.

“Breaking the cycle of violence once and for all will require solutions that give police the tools they need to close cases and address the root causes of crime.

“First off, it’s too easy for criminals to get guns, and beyond that we need major investments to create access to healthcare and mental healthcare, safe housing, reliable transportation, and strong schools and after-school programs.

“We will not agree with members of the majority party on policy ideas we know are counterproductive, but that should not stop us from working together where there is clear common ground. So I remain committed and hopeful that solutions to reduce crime are coming.”