Judicial decisions that favor defendants over victims and public safety are drawing sharp criticism after a series of incidents, including a recent Cambridge shooting and a Milwaukee jail case where alleged threats persisted despite a no-contact order.

Across jurisdictions, there is growing alarm about judges whose rulings appear to put procedural protections for defendants ahead of real-world safety for victims and the public. In one alarming example, a career offender opened fire on a roadway in Cambridge and critically wounded two commuters, adding to a pattern of repeat violence tied to lenient outcomes. That suspect, Tyler Brown, had a long criminal record and was previously sentenced to five years after allegedly trying to murder two Boston police officers in 2020.

Closer to home in Milwaukee County, the dispute centers on whether an inmate should retain communication privileges while in custody after repeated and escalating violations of a no-contact order. The judge in that case, Ana Berrios, denied a request from prosecutors to raise bail and suspend the inmate’s tablet and phone access, a decision that has sparked outrage from law enforcement and victims’ advocates. The inmate in question, Amier H. Jones, is accused of sending threats and continuing contact despite court orders.

The Fraternal Order of Police Cream City Lodge #8 issued a formal statement criticizing the court’s decision and outlining the pattern of abuse and threats tied to this case. Below is the text of their statement as released by the Lodge:

The Fraternal Order of Police Cream City Lodge #8 is raising serious concerns following a court decision that has allowed a Milwaukee County Jail inmate to continue using communication devices despite repeated violations of a no-contact order and newly issued death threats.

On May 6, 2026, a Milwaukee Police Officer assigned to the Sensitive Crimes Division, Domestic Violence High Risk Team became aware that inmate Amier H. Jones had been sending threats to kill a victim in one of his domestic violence cases. These threats were transmitted using the jail’s tablet communication system.

Jones has been subject to a no-contact order with the victim since January 22, 2026. Since that time, he has violated that order more than 500 times through phone and tablet communications.

During a subsequent investigation, it was discovered that on May 5, 2026, Jones escalated his conduct by making threats to kill anyone, including their children, who attempted to restrict his communication privileges. He also identified and threatened the investigating officer, stating that the officer was on his “hit list.”

Jones remains in custody on multiple felony cases, including stalking, intimidation of a victim, possession of a firearm by a felon, fleeing and eluding, and recklessly endangering safety, several with habitual criminality enhancers.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office filed a motion seeking to increase Jones’ bail and to suspend his communication privileges due to the ongoing threat to the victim and the targeting of law enforcement.

On May 7, 2026, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Ana Berrios denied both requests.

“This situation raises serious concerns about the safety of victims, law enforcement, and the community,” said Michael S. Murphy, President of FOP Cream City Lodge #8. “An individual who has repeatedly violated a no-contact order and is now issuing death threats should not have continued access to communication tools that enable that behavior.”

The FOP is calling for an immediate review of policies governing inmate communication privileges within the Milwaukee County Jail, particularly in cases involving repeated violations and credible threats of violence.

Simply incredible.

I live in Milwaukee County and see this problem firsthand: many judges run unopposed and voters barely know who they are. The local GOP in Milwaukee County and the state party need to build campaigns that challenge judges who consistently side with criminals over victims and public safety.

Allowing an inmate who allegedly targeted a victim and threatened law enforcement to keep communication access sends a dangerous signal to survivors and the community. When court rulings ignore repeated violations—more than 500 alleged contacts in this case—it erodes confidence in the justice system’s ability to protect people who are most at risk.

Law and order is not just a slogan; it is the basic promise of government to safeguard citizens from violence and intimidation. When judges treat communication platforms inside jails as untouchable privileges, even amid specific, credible threats, that promise falls apart for victims and for the officers who investigate and keep communities safe.

The pattern of problems—from lenient sentences for violent repeat offenders to court decisions that leave victims exposed—shows why accountability at every level matters. Electing judges who put public safety first and supporting prosecutors who hold repeat offenders accountable is how communities stop the cycle of reoffense and intimidation.

Editor’s Note: The American people overwhelmingly support President Trump’s law and order agenda.