2020 TX Senate race: on Crime
MJ Hegar:
We have a mass incarceration problem
On crime: "I think that we have a mass incarceration problem, not just in marijuana but in the world," she said. "I mean, we are one of the top incarcerated countries in the world and that's not something that I'm very proud of, I don't know about you."
She went on to criticize private prisons and said incumbent Cornyn has taken money from that industry and legislated "in their benefit." The senator "makes sure that they're at max capacity, which is max profit," she said.
Source: The Marijuana Moment on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
MJ Hegar:
Police brutality is not just "a few poisoned apples"
Asked about police racism, Hegar said that the "obvious answer is criminal justice reform," and she supports policies such as "police being more representative of the communities that they're policing." Hegar said that in respect to police brutality,
there are not "a few poisoned apples," but "a plague of locusts that have come through the orchard." She said that she does not support the riots or looting, but thinks the "militarization" of law enforcement "sends the wrong message."
Source: The Texan on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jun 8, 2020
Sema Hernandez:
End the militarization of law enforcement
We must end militarization of law enforcement and the programs which equip and promote it. I will introduce criminal justice reform legislation to fund and require de-escalation training. The bill will require an end to cash bail as a denial of due
process, outlaw privatized prisons, and end the privatization of law enforcement services. It also will provide for funding and maintaining meaningful education, rehabilitation, and job training in prisons.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website, Sema4Texas.com
Jan 12, 2020
Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez:
Abolish mandatory minimums & private for-profit prisons
Cristina recognizes that our current criminal legal system unfairly targets the low-income, and black and brown communities, not only because of misguided policies like the Drug War, but also because of corporations that profit off of imprisonment.
She would also advocate for abolishing private prisons and mandatory minimums, ensuring that our government invests in schools rather than prisons. Lastly, she would support federal abolition of the death penalty.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website CristinaForTexas.com
Dec 19, 2019
Royce West:
Total reform needed at all levels of the judiciary
From the halls of our local police departments, to the court rooms, and overcrowded prisons, total reform is needed at all levels of the judiciary. We must pass federal legislation to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences,
end private for-profit prisons, promote rehabilitation centers, and put support systems in place for former inmates who are shut out of opportunities.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website RoyceWest.com
Dec 19, 2019
Royce West:
Reexamine the use of deadly force by police
We must hold our police departments accountable for misconduct and excessive force; and bring in independent investigators to reexamine the use of deadly force and foster an environment that prioritizes de-escalation tactics. I have a long record of
fighting for criminal justice reform and putting measures in place to hold law enforcement accountable. In the Texas State Senate, I authored groundbreaking legislation for body cameras and dashboard cameras in police vehicles.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website RoyceWest.com
Dec 19, 2019
Royce West:
Now for reform, in 1995 for 14- year-olds tried as adults
West has positioned himself as a top advocate for reforming a criminal justice system that disadvantages people of color. He's been a leader on increasing the use of body cameras by police officers and combating racial profiling. But in 1995,
West co-sponsored a juvenile justice package that aimed to toughen penalties for youthful offenders. The bill, which he called "tough love" at the time, lowered the age from 15 to 14 at which serious offenders could be prosecuted as adults.
Source: The Dallas Morning News on 2020 Texas Senate race
Jul 28, 2019
John Cornyn:
Co-wrote bill for data-driven cooperation to fight crime
The House passed a bill introduced by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Cornyn (R-TX), the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2018, which would authorize a nationwide law enforcement program focused on the reduction of
violent crime. The bill passed the Senate unanimously. ["Partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement, something I implemented as Texas Attorney General, are an effective way to reduce crime rates and protect our communities," said
Senator Cornyn. "The Project Safe Neighborhoods program helps law enforcement at all levels across the country to investigate and prosecute the most dangerous and repeat offenders."]
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime.
Source: 2020 Texas Senate campaign website peters.senate.gov
Jun 7, 2018
Page last updated: Oct 24, 2020