Democrat Roy Cooper Created a Soft-on-Crime Manifesto

Democrat Roy Cooper, North Carolina's current governor, signed an executive order in June 2020 establishing a "Task Force for Racial Equity in Criminal Justice." The initiative, which appointed then-Attorney General Josh Stein and state Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls as co-chairs, produced a 166-page report containing 125 policy recommendations. These proposals, according to the document, aim to reshape the state's approach to criminal justice, focusing on reducing reliance on traditional law enforcement methods and emphasizing systemic reform. The report outlines a comprehensive set of measures designed to address disparities in the criminal justice system, particularly affecting Black and Brown communities. It argues that while Black Americans have historically faced disproportionate victimization, the experience of involvement in the criminal justice system is complex and multifaceted. The task force emphasized that efforts to achieve racial equity in criminal justice must be considered within the broader context of societal inequities. Among the key recommendations, the report suggests a shift away from conventional policing models toward alternative approaches involving social workers and community-based solutions. It advocates for the deployment of non-police personnel in emergency situations, citing examples such as the Crisis Assistance Helping Out On the Streets (CAHOOTS) program in Eugene, Oregon, and the Street Trauma Assessment and Response Services (STARS) model in Denver, Colorado. These programs prioritize de-escalation and mental health support over immediate law enforcement intervention. The report also recommends expanding the use of citation and summons programs in place of arrests, aiming to reduce the long-term consequences associated with criminal records. This includes encouraging law enforcement and prosecutors to evaluate the potential collateral effects of arrests and to explore alternatives that could mitigate the impact on individuals' futures. Additionally, the task force called for a reevaluation of the role of School Resource Officers (SROs). The report highlights statistics showing that in the 2018–2019 academic year, Black students accounted for 48% of school-based delinquency complaints despite representing only 25% of the state’s public school population. The proposal urges schools to critically assess how SROs contribute to disciplinary practices that may disproportionately affect minority students. A notable recommendation involves law enforcement's handling of protests and demonstrations. The report warns that excessive force by police during peaceful assemblies can severely damage trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. This point became particularly relevant following the revelation that in May 2026, Cooper and his family were evacuated from the governor’s mansion during widespread unrest linked to the George Floyd protests, which resulted in over $2.2 million in property damage in the state capital. In the judicial system segment, the report acknowledges the presence of both implicit and explicit biases that disproportionately affect Black and other minority groups. One of the primary suggestions is the adoption of restorative justice practices, which focus on reconciliation rather than punishment. While proponents argue that restorative justice fosters healing and accountability, critics contend that such approaches may inadvertently excuse harmful behaviors without ensuring appropriate consequences. The report further proposes modifications to existing legal frameworks, including the possibility of reduced charges for certain offenses. These adjustments aim to align sentencing guidelines with principles of fairness and proportionality. However, they raise concerns among those who believe that leniency might undermine deterrence and public safety. Following the release of the task force’s findings, the North Carolina General Assembly took a different stance compared to Cooper’s initial position. In 2021, after Cooper vetoed legislation intended to impose stricter penalties for rioting, lawmakers enacted measures that increased the severity of punishments for such activities. This legislative move reflects a divergence in priorities between the executive branch and the legislature regarding the balance between civil liberties and public order. As discussions around criminal justice reform continue, the implications of the task force’s recommendations remain under scrutiny. Various stakeholders, including law enforcement officials, community leaders, and legal experts, are evaluating how these proposals might influence future policies and practices within the state’s criminal justice system.