Howard County State's Attorney
DUTIES: The Howard County State's Attorney prosecutes criminals and juvenile cases and determines whether to extradite persons in other areas who have been charged with crimes in Howard County.TERM: Four years, no term limitSALARY: $201,333HOW ELECTED: Elected countywide
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Rich Gibson
(Dem)
What measures would you implement to reverse the trend of rising crime rates in Howard County?
What do you perceive as the root causes of crime committed by youth?
What do you consider to be best practices to reduce this trend?
What advice would you give Howard County Law Enforcement officials regarding working with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)?
How do you see the role of the State's Attorney in protecting residents' voting rights and securing our elections?
What do you hope to achieve in the upcoming term?
Campaign Phone
240-583-0564
Campaign Instagram
RichGibson4HoCo
The question is based upon an erroneous premise. The data does not reflect rising crime rates. However, public safety is a priority that deserves our fullest attention. Some strategies that I believe will reduce crime are: prioritizing vigorous prosecution of repeat offenders, enhancing diversionary programs for low risk cases, enhancing wrap around services targeting root causes of crime, and robust mentoring programs for our youth.
Youth have always been drawn to "risky choices", that phenomenon is not new. However, technological advances have made the crime committed by youth today more egregious in nature i.e.: inexpensive 3D printers which allow users to make ghost guns didn't exist 10 years ago. We can reduce the trend by increasing high quality mentorship programs, holding youth accountable in meaningful ways when they commit crime, and enhancing wrap around services for the families of youth engaged in crime.
We must uphold the rule of law and the will of the Howard County community. Through the 2020 Liberty Act, our decision not to participate in 287(g) agreements, and passage of CB16 prohibiting permits for private detention centers, residents have expressed clear policy priorities. At the same time, the Supremacy Clause limits local authority where federal officials act within their lawful powers. Sound policy requires respecting both principles.
The State's Attorney does not have primary authority over election administration or voting rights protections. However, we can act to ensure that polling places are safe and prosecute crimes arising from offensive actions occurring in those locations. Also, we can collaborate with the State Prosecutor's Office and the Attorney General's Office to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
I remain committed to serving the people of Howard County by advancing thoughtful, effective public safety solutions. That means working collaboratively to address rising juvenile crime despite evolving legal constraints, while strengthening accountability and prevention. It also means expanding proven alternatives such as L.E.A.D., Veterans Treatment Court, and Drug Treatment Court to reduce recidivism and improve long-term outcomes for our community.
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