Wednesday, February 15, 2023

From Ballotpedia: San Antonio, Texas, Law Enforcement on Abortion, Marijuana, and Police Actions Charter Amendment

A good look at local government in Texas

But recall that the state has the ability to prevent these from being implemented.

- Click here for it

The measure is designed to provide for the City Council to appoint a Justice Director. The measure provides that the roles of the Justice Director are to reduce incarceration and mitigate law enforcement practices. The Justice Director cannot have worked in law enforcement or have significant financial investments in the law enforcement industry. Under this measure, the Justice Director reports to City Council and will provide a justice impact statement to prior to any City Council vote affecting the city justice policy.[1]

Under this measure, San Antonio police officers are prohibited from issuing citations or make arrests for Class A or Class B misdemeanor possession of marijuana offenses, except for certain circumstances, including the investigation of a felony level narcotics case that has been designated as a high priority investigation, or the investigation of a violent felony.[1]

Under this measure, the San Antonio police department is prohibited from investigating, making arrests, or enforcing any state law that criminalizes abortion.[1]

Under this measure, San Antonio police officers cannot obtain a no-knock search warrant, and cannot gain forcible entry into a premises unless there is a credible threat to human life. All officers must be equipped with video and recording devices. Law enforcement officers executing a search warrant cannot use explosive devices, such as grenades or firearms, unless the use of these devices is necessary to protect human life. Under this measure, law enforcement officers must avoid destruction of property and utilize the least intrusive tactics possible. Property or money cannot be seized during the course of the search unless an arrest is made and these assets will be returned immediately to the arrestee if they are not convicted.[1]

The measure is designed to ban the use of a chokehold or neck restraint by San Antonio police officers.