Issue Position: Public Safety

Issue Position

I believe we cannot "police" our way to safety. Open communication between all our officers and the public served is important. We need increased economic opportunity, better housing, an increased investment in mental health services and vocational/job training to address some of the root causes of poverty.

I support increased training for police in areas like de-escalation training. We need to make sure our officers have the proper equipment needed to safely and effectively serve our city. Outdated equipment, uniforms, patrol cars, and bikes make an already difficult job more difficult.

I support a comprehensive community based approach to policing and a greater emphasis on foot and bike patrols.

I support cooperation between police and community groups to aid in recruitment of additional officers, especially minority officers.

I support a state requirement that public schools conduct active shooter drills and increased funding for mental health professionals to recognize and help troubled students.

I support rehabilitation programs that help people with drug and alcohol addictions, allowing them to break the cycle of addiction, and not simply incarceration.

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