Tough-on-crime official eyes other policies on DOJ agenda

This February 2011 photo shows U.S. attorney Steven H. Cook of Maryville, Tenn. Cook, a zealous prosecutor who played a key role in writing the Justice Department’s new policy encouraging harsher punishments for criminals, is now turning his attention to hate crimes, marijuana and the ways law enforcement seizes suspects’ cash and property. Cook’s hardline views on criminal justice were fortified as a cop on the streets of Knoxville, Tennessee, in the late 1970s and early ‘80s. (Robert WIlson/Knoxville News Sentinel via AP)

By Associated Press May 30, 2017 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – A Justice Department official overseeing a new policy encouraging harsher punishments for criminals has more changes in mind.

Longtime federal prosecutor Steve Cook carries a broad mandate from Attorney General Jeff Sessions to review departmental policies. He’s turning his attention to hate crimes, marijuana and the ways law enforcement seizes suspects’ cash and property.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Cook expresses a simple philosophy: putting criminals in jail reduces crime.

But many see the problem of crime and punishment as far from simple. Former Attorney General Eric Holder pursued more lenient policies that contributed to a decline in the federal prison population. Holder has slammed the policy reversal as driven by discredited and fringe voices.

Cook warns against taking the focus off the real victims of crime.