The Heritage Foundation has released a report scrutinizing Vice President Kamala Harris’s policies and views on crime throughout her career. The report evaluates her tenure as the District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, U.S. Senator for California, and current Vice President.
Zack Smith, Senior Legal Fellow at The Heritage Foundation and author of the report, commented: “Despite touting herself as a tough-on-crime prosecutor, Vice President Kamala Harris’s record reveals a different reality. She has long favored radical, pro-crime policies that make American communities less safe."
Smith further stated: “Vice President Kamala Harris has often claimed that she wants to help members of our nation’s poor and minority communities, but the sad irony is that the policies she now champions will often end up harming those individuals the most.”
According to the report, Harris implemented policies similar to those of contemporary rogue prosecutors—such as not seeking the death penalty in egregious cases—and has shown support for defunding the police and radical bail policies. These measures allegedly release violent criminals back onto the streets.
Criticisms from her time as district attorney include not enforcing California's marijuana laws rigorously and failing to turn over exculpatory evidence to defense counsel, resulting in numerous case dismissals. Law enforcement officers in California have also complained about "fire-sale deals" under Harris to address a backlog of homicide cases.
Harris's refusal to seek the death penalty in one specific case drew criticism from fellow Democrats such as then-Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer. Additionally, as Attorney General of California, she defended prosecutorial misconduct in two major cases.
As Vice President, Harris has adopted stronger pro-crime views. She stated that it "is outdated and is actually wrong and backward to think that more police officers will create more safety," contradicting some earlier statements.
During her time in office, Harris described herself as a “progressive prosecutor” and cast the tie-breaking vote to confirm Rachael Rollins as United States Attorney in Massachusetts—a role from which Rollins later resigned.
The report concludes that while Harris may attempt to portray herself as a “pragmatic” prosecutor, her supported policies undermine community safety and the rule of law.
