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?
Robinson:
One of my goals for this term is to reduce homelessness in Memphis. To date, I have not researched the data on minor offenses of the homeless in the city, however any initiative to limit the number of arrests for minor offenses would be helpful. I believe we can find other alternatives than to criminalize homelessness.
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? YES / NO Please elaborate.
Robinson:
We live in a city that approximately one-fourth of the population lives in poverty. A pre-booking diversion program for drug-related offenses and for those suffering from mental health issues is essential to healing the individual and the community. I would support a well thought out and fact based diversion program for drug-related and for those suffering from mental health issues.
3. If elected or re-elected to the city council, will you support a policy to require transparency and democraticaccountability before city agencies acquire new surveillance tools?
Robinson:
4. If elected or re-elected to the city council will you work to make stop and arrest data, including race andethnicity data, available to the public quarterly?
Robinson:
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?
Robinson:
If re-elected to the city council, I will continue to support the process that has recently changed to allow for the TBI to investigate officer involved shootings. I believe that the data from these investigations will tremendously help us to craft better legislation and encourage a timely, transparent and effective process to address investigations as well as improved processes and procedures as it relates to officers using deadly force. And, I know that educating the public is essential as well.
6. Name 3 steps you would take as a council member to make the Community Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) more effective.
Robinson:
It is my personal belief that the Community Law Enforcement Review Board would be more effective, if they had annual mandatory training to include sensitivity training and evaluation tools; provide quarterly reports to the Council based on their hearings and findings; and work with an expert in legal proceedings to develop researched based outcomes for more effective resolutions.
7. Would you support policies, programs or initiatives to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline?
Robinson:
I would support policies, programs or initiatives to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline. According to Californians for Safety and Justice in a article written by Kody Stoebig and Maria Marcelina, the average cost of incarcerating someone in California in 2013-14 was $62,396 compared to the $9,194 the state spent per pupil for K-12 students. It is my understanding that California has been a leader in banning school suspensions. Students and educators suggested: 1) Police should be a last resort, not a first response, 2) Improve the staff to student ratio, 3) Encourage less emphasis on standardized test, 4) Provide more college and technical (career) preparation and 5) Provide alternative discipline practices. As you may know, I served on the School Board and I am supportive of initiatives that support the success of our youth rather than penalize or harm them.
8. What does criminal justice reform mean to you?
Robinson:
In my mind, criminal justice reform means, a fresh look at how our criminal justice system responds; how it is organized; penalties associated with the crime; and how fairly the system works for all citizens.
