Rosenstein: Criminals Don't 'Fear the Justice System' in Some Cities

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein said violent crime rates are rising and in some areas, criminals do not consider law enforcement a threat.

"In some American cities, criminals no longer fear the justice system. Those cities are failing in one of government's most fundamental duties: to keep America safe," Rosenstein said Monday at the National Sheriff's Association conference, according to the Washington Examiner.

"After nearly three decades of decline, violent crime is rising at an alarming rate … we cannot afford to sit back and allow the violent crime rate to increase," Rosenstein said at the conference.

Rosenstein added that stopping crime from happening must be the goal. "The first principle of law enforcement is deterrence. That is what we should strive for. Filling prisons is not our goal. Our goal is to prevent crime."

Drug abuse is a growing danger, according to Rosenstein. "Some people say that we should be more permissive and tolerant about drug abuse. I think we should be more honest about the clear and present threat to America," the deputy attorney general said, noting that drug overdoses had become the top cause of death for Americans younger than 50.

Working with the Department of Homeland Security is key to fighting against illegal immigration, Rosenstein said. "These measures will help us to secure the border. And securing the border will make our communities more safe."

Attorney General Jeff Sessions offered praise for Rosenstein on June 20 at the National Summit on Crime Reduction and Public Safety. He thanked Rosenstein for "leadership and your decades-long commitment to fighting crime and seeking justice," according to The Hill.

• Rachel Brand Next in Line to Oversee Russia Probe if Rosenstein Recuses Himself
• Deputy AG Rod Rosenstein to Congress: No Cause to Fire Mueller