Issue Position: Public Safety

Issue Position

Providing for public safety is one of the most basic functions of government. I believe that no one should walk the streets in fear or have to be concerned when their children go out to play. To better protect public safety, I'll support legislation to increase police in our neighborhoods, get guns off the streets, and to give our police the latest tools to fight crime. To be prepared to address Homeland Security issues, first responders must have up to date training and adequate resources - something the Bush administration has continually failed to do. As a member of Congress, I'll make sure we provide the funds and coordination necessary for effective Homeland Security.

Increase Funding for Community Policing: Community policing works. By establishing a collaborative effort between a police department and community, police are able to work with residents to solve problems and prevent crime before it occurs. We've seen the dramatic impact these programs can have in our local communities.

Despite success, the Bush administration has slashed funding for these programs. I'll work to change that. We must work to change these priorities and help public safety officers do their jobs. The results of these cutbacks are alarming:

-Federal COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) grants to Massachusetts have dropped from $48 million in FY 1996 to $4.7 million today. That's a 90% cut.

-In the period from 1993 to 1999, when Lowell launched its community policing initiative, crime declined by 66%. Today, Lowell may have to cut back police patrols downtown because of budget limitations.

-Haverhill officials have recently expressed concerns about crime trends. The City presently has the same number of patrolmen, 73, as it had 16 years ago, when there were 15,000 fewer people in the city.

-Lawrence's Chief of Police has described police force staffing as at a crisis stage, raising concerns about maintaining enforcement that has been credited with reducing crime by 50% over the past several years.

I will be a strong voice on Capitol Hill for restoring this critical funding, working closely with Senators Kennedy and Kerry and my colleagues in the House.

Increase Funding for Firefighters: Firefighters represent the best and bravest members of our community. When others are running out of a burning building, these brave men and women run in. That dedication must be met with an equal commitment from the federal government to help local fire departments retain an adequate staff and equip them with the best and newest technology.

Sadly, just as with funding for the COPS program, the Bush administration has cut firefighter funding to the bone, ignoring the intent of Congress, and the desire of fire departments around the nation:

-Federal funding to assist fire departments with training and equipment (FIRE Grants) has declined more than 26 percent since Fiscal Year 2002. The President's most recent budget called for even deeper cuts -- a 45 percent decrease from Fiscal Year 2007 levels.

-In response to the increased duties of firefighters and to ease the strain of local budgets, Congress created the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant. This money helps local fire departments recruit and retain firefighters. Unfortunately, President Bush has never requested funding for SAFER Grants in his budgets.

Already, the new Democratic Congress is responding to these cuts. The House recently passed a Homeland Security Appropriations bill that included $570 million for FIRE Grants -- a 90 percent increase over the President's request -- and $235 million for SAFER Grants -- a more than 100 percent increase over last year's funding. I will work to continue funding these vital programs and rolling back the years and years of misguided cuts by the President.

Dealing with Gang Issues: Anti-gang measures are essential in our cities. Local, state and federal agencies, as well as school, neighborhood and parental efforts are all necessary to keep young people off the streets and out of gangs. I'm committed to supporting local street worker and after school programs to prevent problems before they become crises. In Lowell, we've seen this kind of leadership make a difference. I'll consult with local and state officials and champion the kind of law enforcement and street presence that makes a difference in combating gang violence.

Restore the Assault Weapons Ban: On September 13, 2004, the Assault Weapons Ban expired. This ban took some of the most dangerous weapons off the street. That's why virtually every federal, state and local law enforcement agency supported the ban. And that's why I will too. In the years following the bill's first passage, use of assault weapons has dropped 66%. Assault weapons are hardly a right we need to protect. I'll fight to restore this ban.

Fighting Crime with Technology: When Chicago police installed security cameras in troubled areas of their city, they got results. Crime plummeted within a block of each camera. Narcotics calls dropped 76% over the first seven months. Minor crimes such as property damage were down 46%. But this technology costs money--money that many strapped local police departments don't have. In Congress, I'll support the use of federal funds to make sure police have access to the latest technology to make our neighborhoods safer.

Source