The Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus announced on Monday that members will introduce a package of bills aimed at addressing the national crime crisis in Pennsylvania.
“We know from the statistics, but more importantly the experience and news stories, that crime—including violent crime—in our communities is out of control,” said House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) at a press conference unveiling the legislative package. “From rural to urban Pennsylvania, no community has been spared from the crime crisis. It has exhausted police and prosecutors. It has exhausted local and state resources. And it has exhausted our patience,” Cutler added.
The legislative package will adopt a four-pillared approach to tackling crime and violent crime in Pennsylvania, focusing on prevention, policing, prosecution, and punishment.
On Monday, lawmakers highlighted the prevention pillar with legislation sponsored by Rep. Craig Williams (R-Delaware/Chester) and Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny).
These prevention bills aim to empower communities and neighborhoods with tools to spot and prevent crime using their own resources and new legal structures.
Williams’ legislation will establish an advisory committee at the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to promote community crime stopper programs, identify funding for rewards, and share best practices across the state.
“My legislation is about empowering communities to safely and anonymously help solve crimes,” said Williams. “By supporting independent crime stopper programs, we can ensure that tipsters feel secure in providing critical information without fear of retaliation. Retail theft and other crimes drive up costs for businesses, which pass those losses onto consumers through higher prices, further exacerbating inflation. Establishing an advisory committee will help standardize these programs across Pennsylvania, making them more effective in keeping our neighborhoods safe. As we confront the challenges of rising crime, inflation, and the impact of illegal immigration, this legislation is one step toward restoring security and stability in our communities.”
Gaydos’ legislation will create a framework for communities to organize neighborhood watch programs with support from local law enforcement. These programs will provide volunteers with training on what behavior to report to law enforcement, how to avoid bias, and safety measures participants can take.
“My legislation would authorize and expand neighborhood watch programs and addresses the critical issue of determining bail for violent offenders,” said Gaydos. “These bills represent a comprehensive approach to addressing crime in Pennsylvania. While some forms of crime are down significantly, others are increasing. By empowering communities to help prevent crime before it happens and prioritizing public safety when determining bail for violent offenders, we can begin to restore a sense of safety and security for all Pennsylvanians.”
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