Public Safety

Governor Dunleavy made public safety his stated No. 1 priority, reporting a 41.8% overall crime reduction since taking office. He highlighted increases in State Troopers, nearly doubling Village Public Safety Officers to 84, establishing child abuse investigative units, and dedicating four Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons investigators. He reported 42 million fatal doses of fentanyl seized in 2024 and a nearly 19% decline in overdose deaths. He also announced a new partnership with the Municipality of Anchorage to combat crime in the state's largest city, noting Anchorage's violent crime rate is nearly three times the national average.

Governor Ivey declared public safety her number one priority and announced support for legislation imposing the death penalty for child rape/sodomy and cracking down on fleeing from law enforcement. She deployed over 400 Alabama National Guardsmen to support federal efforts in D.C. and directed ALEA to increase trooper presence in Montgomery. She proposed a 2% pay raise for state employees including troopers and proposed $50 million for K-12 school safety efforts.

Governor Hobbs highlighted Operation Desert Guardian, a multi-agency initiative targeting transnational criminal organizations, which has seized over $105 million worth of drugs, more than 16,000 pounds of fentanyl, over 1,200 illegal firearms, and resulted in more than 1,400 arrests. She deployed the Arizona National Guard to the southern border and criticized federal immigration enforcement for neglecting drug smuggling cases. She called on the federal government to repay over $700 million in border security expenses since 2021.

Governor Newsom reported double-digit decreases across crime categories: property crime, aggravated assault, car theft, burglary, robbery, and violent crime are all down. He highlighted record-low homicide rates in Oakland (lowest since 1967), LA (lowest since 1966), and San Francisco (lowest since 1954). He cited $267 million in grants to police departments and prosecutors to combat organized crime and retail theft, the addition of over 1,000 new CHP officers, and Crime Suppression Teams deployed in multiple cities.

Governor Polis reported violent crime down over 13%, property crime down nearly 18%, and a 61% decrease in auto theft over four years, including a 34% drop in the last year alone. He highlighted a 95% decline in catalytic converter theft in Denver. He referenced Proposition 130's $15 million for local law enforcement recruitment and retention. He also called for bipartisan action on individuals who cannot stand trial but are charged with crimes, and emphasized wildfire preparedness with state-owned helicopters and firefighting equipment.

Governor Lamont praised Connecticut State Police and municipal police, noting the state is one of the safest in the nation. He sharply criticized ICE operations, stating agents are 'barely trained at all' and that violence follows them. He declared Connecticut is 'keeping Connecticut safe without you' regarding ICE and committed to protecting schools and courthouses from civil immigration raids without judicial warrants.

Governor Meyer honored Corporal Ty Snook, a Delaware State Police trooper killed in the line of duty, and recognized officers who thwarted a planned terrorist attack at the University of Delaware. He noted shootings in 2025 were at some of the lowest numbers in years and highlighted historically low recidivism rates. He emphasized the importance of continued work on public safety, noting that one shooting is one too many.

Governor Kemp highlighted extensive anti-gang efforts through the GBI Anti-Gang Taskforce (over 1,800 gang-related cases, nearly 2,500 offenders arrested, $95 million in drugs and illegal items seized) and the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit (120+ convictions in 19 counties). He announced the Crime Suppression Unit's fifth year of operation and a proposed enhanced retirement plan for state law enforcement officers that would double the state's contribution. He also highlighted the GRACE Commission's work on human trafficking, noting 70+ convictions and over 200 children rescued.

Governor Green did not make public safety a central focus of his address, concentrating instead on cost of living, housing, homelessness, and healthcare. His public safety references were limited to emergency response and disaster preparedness following wildfires and typhoons.

Governor Reynolds highlighted the tragic deaths of two Iowa National Guard soldiers in Syria, Staff Sergeant William Nathaniel Howard and Staff Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar, killed by an ISIS gunman. She also discussed the fentanyl crisis and proposed legislation to modernize the veterans' benefits system. Her public safety focus was primarily on military service and honoring fallen soldiers rather than domestic crime policy.

Governor Little highlighted Operation No Return, through which Idaho State Police are removing dangerous illegal alien criminals from neighborhoods, citing examples of child rapists, stalkers, violent offenders, and drug traffickers. He praised the partnership with the Trump administration on immigration enforcement and stated Idaho is among the safest states in the nation because of Idaho State Police.

Governor Braun highlighted Indiana State Police's drug interdiction efforts, including seizing over 1,300 pounds of cocaine, 84 pounds of heroin and fentanyl (double the prior year), and a single 300-pound cocaine bust worth $7 million. He reported overdose deaths dropped over 60%, from 1,610 in 2024 to 562. He launched Operation Guardian Angel resulting in 48 arrests of child predators and expressed support for constitutional amendments allowing preventive detention of violent criminals.

Governor Kelly reported crime in Kansas is at a 20-year low, attributing it to record funding for law enforcement. She emphasized bipartisan accomplishments in public safety without detailing specific initiatives, noting that the record-low crime rates speak to the collaborative approach taken.

Governor Beshear highlighted boosting Kentucky State Police to 1,896 members and local law enforcement to over 8,000, along with over 474 online predator arrests since 2019. He noted record-low recidivism rates and announced partnerships with KCTCS President Ryan Quarles for a reentry campus. He also proposed $80 million for the Memphis Safe Task Force partnership and continued focus on public safety as integral to the American Dream.

Governor Healey emphasized supporting state and local police while building community trust. She highlighted Trooper Rassan Charles, who saved a man in crisis on the Tobin Bridge, and Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon for heroism during an assisted living facility fire. She announced proposals for new protections at assisted living homes and reiterated the state's approach of community-oriented policing.

Governor Moore reported homicides down nearly 50% statewide, with the lowest homicide rate in Baltimore since before he was born. He credited the ENOUGH Initiative, bridging gaps between police and prosecutors, and community-based approaches. He emphasized that addressing violent crime requires addressing failed conditions in communities where violence thrives.

Governor Mills referenced the Lewiston mass shooting that killed 18 people and noted subsequent steps to prevent violence, protect public safety, and expand mental health services. She also addressed the need for cellphone bans in schools as related to student safety and mental health. Her public safety discussion was more focused on emergency response to disasters and defending against federal overreach than on traditional crime policy.

Governor Kehoe signed Executive Order 26-01 creating a statewide school accountability A-F grade card and Executive Order 26-03 on government efficiency. His public safety focus centered on maintaining fiscal discipline to support essential services, with specific policy details deferred to legislative proposals.

Governor Armstrong's address was narrowly focused on the Rural Health Transformation Program and did not substantively address public safety or crime policy.

Governor Pillen highlighted a dramatic example of the dangers posed by criminal illegal aliens — a convicted felon and El Salvadoran national who shot three Omaha police officers during a confrontation. He recognized six officers from the Omaha Police Department Gang Unit involved in the incident. He also noted Nebraska's ICE detention facility and praised drug interdiction efforts as part of immigration enforcement.

Governor Ayotte emphasized New Hampshire's #1 ranking for public safety, highlighted ending the state's 'disastrous bail reform experiment,' banning sanctuary cities, and increasing penalties for human trafficking. She proposed doubling administrative license suspensions for drivers refusing breath alcohol tests and announced creation of a Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee. She also strengthened the Cold Case Unit and addressed wrong-way driving and distracted driving safety.

Governor Sherrill (newly inaugurated) focused broadly on affordability and opportunity rather than detailed public safety proposals, though she referenced safe streets and the need to fight for jobs, housing, and good schools alongside safe communities.

Governor Lujan Grisham called for juvenile justice reform to address severe teen crimes, an assault weapons ban, gun dealer accountability, strengthening penalties on felons possessing firearms, and pretrial detention for those charged with violent crimes. She acknowledged progress including increased penalties for fentanyl trafficking and criminal competency reform but stated emphatically that current efforts are insufficient.

Governor Hochul reported crime hitting record lows — shootings, homicides, and subway crime all down. She proposed a first-in-the-nation law requiring all 3D printers sold in New York to include software blocking gun printing, banning handguns convertible to automatic weapons, expanding Crime Analysis Centers statewide, installing platform barriers at 85 additional subway stations, and banning protests within 25 feet of houses of worship. She also proposed allowing New Yorkers to hold ICE agents accountable in court when they act outside their duties.

Governor Stitt highlighted shrinking the prison population by 25% while maintaining record-low recidivism. He called for shutting down the medical marijuana industry, citing cartel activity, human trafficking, and foreign influence. He emphasized his declaration of war on the marijuana industry as a public safety measure and called for a voter referendum to shut it down.

Governor Shapiro reported violent crime down 12% and fatal gun violence down 42%, with Philadelphia and Pittsburgh experiencing their fewest homicides in decades. He highlighted nearly 2,000 more cops funded, expanded afterschool programs, and violence intervention initiatives. He proposed funding four more classes of PSP troopers and increasing commitment to violence prevention, noting dollar-for-dollar equal investment in prevention and trooper training. He also proposed $30 million in competitive grants for fire company facility upgrades.

Governor McKee addressed the Brown University shooting tragedy that killed two students, noting coordination of mental health providers and review of security protocols at all Rhode Island colleges. He did not extensively detail broader crime policy but emphasized the importance of community resilience and first responder support.

Governor McMaster emphasized funding police, closing the revolving door for career criminals, and keeping guns out of criminal hands. He highlighted that every public school now has funding for a school resource officer — up from 406 of 1,283 schools in 2018. He told the dramatic story of an SRO-funded officer stopping a child abduction at Chester Park Elementary School. He also touted the state's lowest recidivism rate in the nation and reported substantial law enforcement pay raises of up to 52% in three years.

Governor Rhoden detailed Operation Prairie Thunder results: 432 individuals brought into custody, over 1,000 drug charges, nearly 250 warrants executed, 38 DUIs, 63 illegal aliens handed over to ICE, 9 cartel/gang members apprehended, and a record 207-pound meth bust. He announced continued saturation patrols, expansion of 287(g) agreements, and proposed legislation to protect law enforcement officers' personal information from doxxing. He honored Trooper Emily Metzger with the Governor's Award for Heroism for deliberately initiating collisions to stop a wrong-way driver.

Governor Lee reported crime down 55% in Shelby County with the lowest monthly crime totals in over 25 years through the Memphis Safe Task Force. He highlighted 5,500 criminal arrests and the TBI Missing Child Unit's recovery of 146 missing children. He proposed $80 million in grants to accelerate Memphis momentum and permanently placing 100 Highway Patrol troopers in Shelby County. He also announced reaching the benchmark of 1,300 total Highway Patrol troopers statewide.

Governor Cox addressed homelessness, addiction, and fentanyl as public safety concerns, calling for an approach pairing compassion with accountability focused on disrupting fentanyl trafficking while expanding treatment and recovery pathways. Specific legislative proposals were referenced but not detailed in the address summary.

Newly inaugurated Governor Davis (inaugural address) outlined priorities including taking action to prevent gun violence, supporting Virginians struggling with addiction, and addressing the mental health crisis. She emphasized making communities safe for immigrant neighbors and stated that security and safety apply to all Virginians regardless of background.

Governor Scott's address was almost entirely focused on education transformation and did not substantively address public safety or crime policy.

Governor Ferguson sharply criticized ICE operations, calling them 'horrific' and 'unjust,' and supported Senator Valdez's bill to prohibit law enforcement from wearing masks and require visible identifying information. His public safety discussion focused primarily on flood emergency response, infrastructure investment, and opposition to federal immigration enforcement tactics rather than traditional crime policy.

Governor Evers highlighted bipartisan improvements to the justice system including expanded circuit court branches, workers' compensation for first responders with PTSD, and the largest addition of circuit court branches in over two decades. He expressed frustration that Republicans voted against making the Wisconsin Office of Violence Prevention permanent and noted domestic violence homicides jumped 20% between 2021-2022, reaching 99 deaths in 2024. He announced a partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks to combat domestic violence and criticized legislative inaction on gun violence and corrections reform.

Governor Morrisey highlighted a nearly 40% decline in drug overdose deaths between June 2024 and May 2025, crediting enforcement strategies and partnerships with the Trump administration. He referenced his work as attorney general holding drug companies accountable and bringing over $1 billion in settlement monies to the state. He also announced the SENTRY pilot initiative with $10 million in requested funding for modernized flood detection and warning systems.

Governor Gordon's address focused primarily on budget, energy, education, and natural resources. His public safety references were limited to honoring a heroic state trooper who stopped a wrong-way driver through deliberate collisions, and recognizing Downrange Warriors' work supporting law enforcement and communities following tragedy in Byron.