While some find justice in our criminal justice system, for too many it unjustly ruins lives. Our justice system must be focused on rehabilitation, equity, & accountability.
Reducing incarceration
To align our justice system with our values, we should reform our Penal Code with a focus on restorative justice, alternatives to incarceration, & reduction in felony sentences.
We need to fund & make diversion & probation programs fee-free. We must also remove the profit motive from our justice system by eliminating the use of private prisons in our state.
Additionally, as a legislator, I will support deploying mental health professionals & social workers as first responders where appropriate.
addressing Use of force
While local jurisdictions have control over the implementation & details of their use of force policies, the State sets broad parameters. I would like to examine the state's parameters for use of force & in an effort to see where we can raise the threshold for use of force.
We also need to increase accountability, transparency, and objectivity in excessive use of force cases. I would like to start by exploring an independent investigation unit in the Attorney General’s office with exclusive jurisdiction over use of force cases.
I would also like to investigate what opportunities there are for increasing cultural competency training around mental & behavioral health, disabilities, & diverse identities for law enforcement.
Supporting a Just Future
Too many of our kids are getting caught up in the justice system too early. They deserve our investment to help them create opportunities & options so they know they can make different choices in their lives.
To be truly focused on equity in justice, we must work toward reducing recidivism by investing in rehabilitation, re-entry, & transition programs.
It is not just for someone to carry a mark on their record for something that is no longer illegal. As such, I support expunging records of cannabis related misdemeanors.