Criminal Justice & Public Safety

The rule of law is indispensable to our Nation. However, it is impossible for our Nation’s citizens to be secure if crime plagues our streets and lawlessness dominates our communities. The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) will advance policies that support the American people’s right to live and prosper in free and secure communities. Respect for legitimate law enforcement, reverence for the law, and smart-on-crime reforms are essential to American life and liberty.

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Team

Brett Tolman

Chair, American Justice

Greg Glod

Director of American Justice Policy

Knox Williams

Senior Fellow, American Justice

Latest

Op-Ed | May 21, 2026

Does California’s Sanctuary Law Make Everyone Less Safe?

Statement | May 21, 2026

DOJ Sends Clear Message to Fraudsters: Americans Are Not Your Piggybank

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) released the following statement from Brett Tolman, Chair for Law and Justice, in response to news that the U.S. Department of Justice has charged 15 individuals over more than $90 million in fraud in Minnesota.

Statement | May 15, 2026

DOJ Takes on D.C. in 2A Rights Case

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) has released the following statements from Knox Williams, senior fellow for American Justice and Leigh Ann O’Neill, chief legal affairs officer, in response to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recently filed lawsuit against the District of Columbia’s attempted “assault rifle” and suppressor ban.

Statement | May 15, 2026

AFPI Continues to Stand for Virginians’ Second Amendment Rights

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) has released the following statement from Knox Williams, AFPI Senior Fellow for American Justice, in response to a new Virginia anti-gun rights law that bans purchasing of AR-15s and standard capacity magazines, even by law-abiding citizens.

Commentary | May 14, 2026

When the Thin Blue Line Breaks: America’s Police Staffing Crisis

Successful teams hinge on a strong, full roster of players. When a player is injured, or quits, the overall performance of that team—and those who depend on that team are affected. We are seeing this happen across the nation as law enforcement vacancies rise, and retention rates drop.