Former State Senate President; Democratic Challenger MA Governor
Include sexual orientation as basis for hate crimes
The state’s hate crimes statute was amended to include sexual orientation.
When that provision became law we sent the message that when prejudice and intolerance about sexual preference are involved in a criminal activity, the judicial system can send a strong signal back about what we as a society refuse to tolerate.
Source: Campaign web site, TomBirmingham.org
Nov 24, 2001
Require police ticketing records, to fight racial profiling
“We must be vigilant so that our laws are enforced equally and fairly,” said Tom about his support for the law that requires the police to record the race and gender of the individuals whom they ticket.
The racial profiling legislation will provide citizens and law enforcement with valuable information to further the goal of equitable public safety in Massachusetts.
Source: Campaign web site, TomBirmingham.org
Nov 24, 2001
$21 million for community policing
Tom led the way in establishing an effective, proactive community policing program that now has an annual budget of almost $21 million and puts police officers on the beat in hundreds of Massachusetts cities and towns.
Building strong, positive links between law enforcement and citizens provides us with safer places in which to raise families, go to work and enjoy a sense of community.
Source: Campaign web site, TomBirmingham.org
Nov 24, 2001
Strengthen the arrest warrant system
Based on the reporting of the Senate Post Audit and Oversight Committee, the Senate forged ahead to outline and address a clear problem with the state’s arrest warrant system. The proposal, which became law, gives law enforcement a number
of ways to pursue those who flout the judicial system by ignoring court warrants. “We identified problems in the system, listened to those who work to protect public safety, and proposed a focused solution,” said Birmingham.
Source: Campaign web site, TomBirmingham.org
Nov 24, 2001
