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?
ALLEN:
FORD: DID NOT RESPOND
JONES:
During my first term on the Memphis City Council, I co-sponsored a resolution to de-criminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana, but the measure was preempted by the Tennessee
General Assembly. That action should demonstrate my willingness to do so.
KINER:
Self explanatory
LEE: DID NOT RESPOND
WILLIAMS: DID NOT RESPOND
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?
ALLEN:
FORD: DID NOT RESPOND
JONES:
Until I learn more about this, at first blush it would appear that state law would supersede measures in this area at the local level. However, I'm amenable to ideas that would deal with this matter.
KINER:
Self explanatory
LEE: DID NOT RESPOND
WILLIAMS: DID NOT RESPOND
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?
ALLEN:
FORD: DID NOT RESPOND
JONES:
KINER:
LEE: DID NOT RESPOND
WILLIAMS: DID NOT RESPOND
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?
ALLEN:
FORD: DID NOT RESPOND
JONES:
KINER:
LEE: DID NOT RESPOND
WILLIAMS: DID NOT RESPOND
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?
ALLEN:
Work with the Mayor, who is directly responsible for the Memphis Police Department, to ensure all measures are being taken by Internal Affairs to investigate expeditiously and to whatever level of transparency is appropriate. Work across offices with colleagues in the County to ensure the District Attorney's office is treating the matter with the seriousness it deserves. Demand an action plan from the Memphis Police Department on next steps. Finally, refuse to pass a budget for Public Safety if it does not include deescalation training, trauma-informed counseling, and implicit bias training.
FORD: DID NOT RESPOND
JONES:
I have been in support of measures presented before that council to request an independent investigation when there is an office-involved shooting, whether or not there is a fatality.
KINER:
1. Create and Add ACLU rep to Independent Officer Deadly Force Investigation Citizen Advisory Board
2.Request TBI inclusion into all local deadly force investigators if not currently done
3. Mandate MPD Director presence and report at all city council meetings until investigation complete if not currently done
LEE: DID NOT RESPOND
WILLIAMS: DID NOT RESPOND
6. Name 3 steps you would take as a council member to make the Community Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) more effective.
ALLEN:
Subpoena power.
Amend the existing ordinance so that the Mayor is not the only one allowed to appoint members to CLERB.
Ensure there is appropriate community education and outreach about CLERB and how to file a complaint against police.
FORD: DID NOT RESPOND
JONES:
Learn more about current shortcomings of CLERB from stakeholders.
Support reforms to make it more effective.
Exploring whether the role of an ombudsman would be in best practice.
KINER:
1. Add ACLU rep to board as advisor if possible and not currently done
2. If possible mandate personal reports at city council meetings when controversial matters and or concerning matters are at hand
3. Mandate bi-annual think thank meeting / retreats with appointed reps from city council members and CLERB
LEE: DID NOT RESPOND
WILLIAMS: DID NOT RESPOND
7. Would you support policies, programs or initiatives to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline?
ALLEN:
FORD: DID NOT RESPOND
JONES:
Support more diversionary programs for juveniles.
Would have to learn of current best practices in this area.
KINER:
Best ideas are in planning stage but key factors involve improving education and promoting judicial system awareness and fairness.
WILLIAMS: DID NOT RESPOND
8. What does criminal justice reform mean to you?
ALLEN:DID NOT RESPOND
FORD: DID NOT RESPOND
JONES:
Reducing the incarcerations rates sentences for non-violent offenders.
More training while persons are incarcerated to give them the skills to function when they are released.
KINER:
Not just ending the current injustice but creating programs to reverse the impact of the past injustices much like programs being done in California and other places allowing people arrested for past marijuana use to get special preferences in owing hemp businesses.
LEE: DID NOT RESPOND
WILLIAMS: DID NOT RESPOND