The debate over how to address violent crime continues, as President Donald Trump authorizes the use of the National Guard in cities such as Washington, D.C., Portland, Memphis and Chicago to protect federal officers and buildings, and assist state and local police in their law enforcement duties. The White House argues the deployments are desperately needed to control crime in these areas. At the same time, officials in some of these jurisdictions, including Portland and Chicago, have sued to block the deployments, claiming they are unconstitutional and unnecessary.
While the deployments are debated, we know that the National Guard cannot be deployed everywhere and indefinitely. Crime is local, and state and local officials must lead on implementing permanent solutions to fighting violent crime. There are many proven strategies for leaders to implement, starting with supporting the police…