My Reflection on the "Justice Charter"
Neighbors,
This past January, advocacy groups submitted a petition to the City Clerk to amend the City’s Charter and dubbed it the “Justice Charter.” The amendment is a single proposition that includes six distinct additions to the City Charter. The petitioners preferred an all-or-nothing approach at the ballot box. I think this was a mistake as many voters might agree with some of the changes, but not all of them.
While I support the right of the public to petition their government, I question the need for these amendments. The City of San Antonio adopted a Cite and Release Policy, however, an officer still has discretion under state law to make an arrest if they deem it necessary.
Over the past several weeks, I have been listening to many of my neighbors from across the district and across the political spectrum. Many of them have voiced serious concerns about the implications these amendments will have on public safety in San Antonio.
I am not supportive of amending the Charter and will be voting against the Amendment.
1. Creating a City of San Antonio Justice Policy that would include a Justice Director appointed by the Council to opine on any City Council vote affecting the City’s justice policy and analyze the justice impact of each City Department;
2. Eliminating police enforcement of certain levels of marijuana possession;
3. Eliminating police enforcement of abortion-related care crimes;
4. A complete ban on chokeholds;
5. Banning no-knock warrants and creating additional requirements to obtain a warrant; and
6. Establishing cite and release in the City Charter to include removing police authority to arrest for:
City policies and procedures as well as state law already govern how the public is protected and how issues 2-6 above should be addressed by the City. The men and women that serve in the SAPD are held to high standards. As your councilman, I have worked over the last 6 years to fully fund public safety, increase officers on patrol and support the last contract which seeks to retain and recruit only the best officers.
The City Attorney’s Office has prepared a website that answers frequently asked questions and provides a general overview of the process and legal implications.
This past January, advocacy groups submitted a petition to the City Clerk to amend the City’s Charter and dubbed it the “Justice Charter.” The amendment is a single proposition that includes six distinct additions to the City Charter. The petitioners preferred an all-or-nothing approach at the ballot box. I think this was a mistake as many voters might agree with some of the changes, but not all of them.
While I support the right of the public to petition their government, I question the need for these amendments. The City of San Antonio adopted a Cite and Release Policy, however, an officer still has discretion under state law to make an arrest if they deem it necessary.
Over the past several weeks, I have been listening to many of my neighbors from across the district and across the political spectrum. Many of them have voiced serious concerns about the implications these amendments will have on public safety in San Antonio.
I am not supportive of amending the Charter and will be voting against the Amendment.
1. Creating a City of San Antonio Justice Policy that would include a Justice Director appointed by the Council to opine on any City Council vote affecting the City’s justice policy and analyze the justice impact of each City Department;
2. Eliminating police enforcement of certain levels of marijuana possession;
3. Eliminating police enforcement of abortion-related care crimes;
4. A complete ban on chokeholds;
5. Banning no-knock warrants and creating additional requirements to obtain a warrant; and
6. Establishing cite and release in the City Charter to include removing police authority to arrest for:
- All Class C misdemeanors
- Possession of controlled substance less than 4 oz synthetic cannabinoids
- Driving while license invalid
- Theft of property less than $750
- Theft of service less than $750
- Contraband in a correctional facility
- Graffiti with damage of less than $2500
- Criminal mischief with damage less than $750
City policies and procedures as well as state law already govern how the public is protected and how issues 2-6 above should be addressed by the City. The men and women that serve in the SAPD are held to high standards. As your councilman, I have worked over the last 6 years to fully fund public safety, increase officers on patrol and support the last contract which seeks to retain and recruit only the best officers.
The City Attorney’s Office has prepared a website that answers frequently asked questions and provides a general overview of the process and legal implications.
Councilman John Courage
