A tough-on-crime approach is back in US state capitols [Video]

Within minutes of his inauguration Monday, new Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe unleashed a volley of orders targeting crime. The tone-setting move reflects a national trend.After a period of relaxed sentencing laws, a tough-on-crime approach is back in political favor in the U.S.Republicans and Democrats alike are promoting anti-crime initiatives as a new year of lawmaking gets underway in state capitols. That comes after voters in several states approved ballot measures in the fall imposing stricter penalties for crimes ranging from shoplifting to deadly drug dealing.Kehoe, a Republican who cruised to election, took the oath of office at noon. Soon afterward, Kehoe said he issued orders aimed at capturing dangerous fugitives, boosting pay for veteran state law enforcement officers and training them to assist federal immigration authorities. He also said he ordered immigration-status data to be collected on people facing criminal charges.“Too many Missourians don’t feel safe, and too many Missourians …