Richard Gibson
Democrat
https://www.facebook.com/RichGibson4hoco/
1. In your opinion is there a difference between being “tough on crime” and being “smart on crime”? Please explain.
Yes there is a difference; being tough on crime refers to a policy set by the elected prosecutor to charge every offense possible based upon the facts of the case and applicable law and to then seek the lengthiest sentence possible in order to discourage criminal conduct. Conversely, being smart on crime refers to the State’s Attorney establishing a policy that encourages prosecutors to utilize their discretion at both the charging and sentencing phases of the case, taking into account all relevant factors that lead to the crime being committed. Those factors include but are not limited to: the past criminal record of the defendant, the nature of the crime, the circumstances that lead up to the crime being committed, the societal and financial cost of incarceration, available alternatives to prosecution, and the defendant’s amenability to rehabilitation. To be clear, being “smart on crime” means when appropriate seeking a lengthy sentence for criminal conduct worthy of that disposition, it also means when appropriate based upon a case by case analysis seeking alternates to prosecution. If elected I am someone who is in a favor of and will apply a “smart on crime” approach to prosecution in Howard County.
2. Should minor offenses be decriminalized, resulting in fines instead of jail time?
I am in favor of certain minor offenses being decriminalized resulting in fines instead of jail time. I would encourage the prosecutors working for the State’s Attorney’s Office to utilize their judgment and discretion in determining whether the facts of the particular case before them is worthy of the investment of time and effort to protect the quality of life for the residents of Howard County.
3. Do you favor using pretrial risk assessment? Will you recommend pretrial supervision?
Pre-trial risk assessment is an essential tool in determining an appropriate bail status pending trial. I will recommend pre-trial supervision in appropriate circumstances, and I personally favor allowing the accused to remain in the community pre-trial as long as based upon a review of facts and their individual circumstances the accused appears to not pose a threat to the safety of others and they are likely to show up for their court case. However, there are certain kinds of crimes and certain individuals based on their past choices (for example and individual who: previously providing the court with an alias, failed to come to court when properly subpoenaed in the past, or a person who has committed a crime while on bail in the past) would not be a good candidate for pre-trial release even if supervised.
4. Would you work to expand criminal diversions in which willing victims and offenders are offered mediation?
Yes, I would work to expand criminal diversion programs in Howard County. The Opioid Epidemic has hit Howard County particularly hard; the number of overdoses has tripled in the last three years. I was the head of the Juvenile Drug Court in Prince George’s County and saw firsthand the benefit of getting young individuals who were addicted involved in a rigorous treatment plan that included the Courts, Public Defender’s Office, the State’s Attorney’s Office, the Department of Juvenile Services, NGOs focused on rehabilitation and addiction, and the family members of the youth that were addicted. I will seek to establish a similar program in Howard County if elected. Programs like this offer individuals a path to correct their conduct and if they complete the program successfully offer those individuals the ability to move forward with their lives without the burdens of criminal convictions on their record.
Furthermore, I would encourage the prosecutors in the State’s Attorney’s Office in cases where an evaluation of the facts of the case and the defendant’s criminal record supported diversion via mediation to do so provided the victims in the case are also willing to pursue that option. This strategy is particularly useful in property crimes where it presents an opportunity for non-violent offenders to pay restitution and publicly apologize for their actions. Making amends to aggrieved parties while at the same time allowing the offender to avoid a criminal conviction.
5. Would you support reentry programs to improve employment opportunities for inmates returning from state prison sentences?
Yes, I will support reentry programs to improve employment opportunities for inmates returning to society. I view it as a core function of the prosecutor in ensuring that crime is reduced in the community. A lack of reentry programs increases the likelihood of recidivism as some individuals commit crimes because of limited legitimate options to financially provide for their needs. It is imperative that we work to create spaces and opportunities that provide a lawful and meaningful way for individuals reentering society to sustain themselves. To that end I have personally taken part in reentry programs designed to support inmates soon to be released that were held in Howard County Detention Centers. I will continue to support reentry programs.
6. Would you support mental health screening and treatment of pretrial detainees?
I absolutely support mental health screening and treatment of pretrial detainees when the facts and circumstances deem it appropriate. There is an undeniable correlation between mental health issues and criminality. In order to best serve the community we need to attempt to understand what factors are driving the criminal conduct and in order to curb the criminal conduct we need to address those underlying issues. If the criminal conduct is based upon a mental health related disorder that case has to be handled differently than crimes driven from other motivations. However, there are occasions where the criminal behavior is not caused by a mental health disorder despite the presence of such a condition in the defendant. In those circumstances I would encourage our prosecutors to use that information when crafting an appropriate disposition and or sentencing recommendation.
