As chief of police and a member of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, I firmly believe that quality preschool programs are one of the best investments in crime prevention our community can make for the long-term.

Children who participate in these programs, particularly underserved kids, are much more likely to get a strong healthy start in life that puts them on path to begin school ready to learn.

That path leads to improved graduation rates and educational success, which in turn drives down crime rates and strengthens a community with productive, law-abiding adults.

The evidence is clear from a public safety perspective. Kids who don’t attend preschool programs don’t receive the social and emotional skills they need early on, and are twice as likely to be arrested for crimes down the road. Preschool programs are more important than ever because of learning loss brought on by the pandemic.

California should support and prioritize Pre-K in a way that reflects that reality so that all children and families have access to these programs.

Brad Rasmussen is chief of police of the city of Lakeport, California.