“A strong police presence keeps individuals involved in 'street life' from triggering the most severe penalties of the law by providing a surrogate for the self-control and parental oversight that they lack.”

American conservative political commentator, essayist, lawyer, and author

Heather Mac Donald is an American conservative political commentator, essayist, lawyer, and author. She is known for her writings on criminal justice, policing, and public policy, and for her opposition to criminal justice reform. She is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of its City Journal. Her work often argues for strong support of police and examines debates over crime, law enforcement, and reform.