1. If elected or re-elected to the city council, will you propose programs and/or initiatives to limit the number of arrests for minor offenses in the city?
Smith:
I will do my research to find out why many of the minor offences are being committed and try to combat that underlying cause(s) for those who are making those bad choices. Once I find out the cause(s), I will find resources that are available to assist them so that they can live a productive life. Then, I will educate them on what it means to have a criminal record even if the offences are minor so that they can become more aware of their bad decisions. Lastly, if there are no programs and/or initiatives set in place, I will make a proposal to specifically address those areas.
2. If elected or re-elected to the city council, will you support a pre-booking diversion program for drug-related offenses and for those suffering from mental health issues?
Smith:
Prisons should not be filled nor overcrowded with drug related issues committed by non-violent offenders. There is a distinct difference from those who are selling drugs and those who are distributing them, so those who are distributing them should receive fair jail time for breaking the law.
However, many who are drug abusers should be treated to detox themselves from this destructive behavior and habit. Studies show that many drug users are mentally ill and are depressed, so they are trying to medicate themselves to ease and mean the pain. Thus, having pre-booking diversion programs can help those who need and want that extra help instead of being swept into the criminal justice system.
3. If elected or re-elected to the city council, will you support a policy to require transparency and democratic accountability before city agencies acquire new surveillance tools?
Smith:
4. If elected or re-elected to the city council will you work to make stop and arrest data, including race and ethnicity data, available to the public quarterly?
Smith:
5. If elected or re-elected to the city council what will you do to ensure a timely, transparent and independent investigation whenever an officer uses deadly force?
Smith:
I will see what the protocols are first and see what the standards are and the process it takes to get a timely and transparent investigation and to see what can be done to expedite the process. Then, I will propose an ordinance to make sure that once all of the investigation is done, it will be released.
I will also put pressure on the police and prosecutor to expedite the process and build a relationship with them.
6. Name 3 steps you would take as a council member to make the Community Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) more effective.
Smith:
1. Currently, the board here in Memphis meets every 2nd Thursday of every other month, and I will increase the number of meetings to make sure all of the complaints are addressed.
2. I will make the board more diverse by including a younger generation.
3. For those who want to file a complaint online anonymously, they should have that option.
7. Would you support policies, programs or initiatives to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline?
Smith:
I will find out what policies and programs that are in place that are effective to ensure that the school-to-prison pipeline is totally and completely dismantled. Some of the problems that I see that is aiding this system is a home issue whether it is the environment, violence, or economics that play a part in this practice that cause students to make bad choices.
To combat some of these issues, I will have speakers to speak to the youth and the parents to talk to them to show them other options for different productive lifestyle choices. Therefore, I will reach out to individuals who specializes in counseling, workforce development, and schooling that can address some of these issues.
8. What does criminal justice reform mean to you?
Smith:
Criminal justice reform means that the entire criminal justice system needs to be totally dismantled and rebuilt because its roots have ties dating back to the 1800s to keep underprivileged and disadvantaged under control and as second-class citizens.
Some of the people who are part of the criminal justice system such as prosecutors, officers, and alike who are making decisions about punishment should be vetted because many are being hired with preconceived notion about the difference of the citizens in the impoverished communities and affluent communities.
