GRAY DAVIS ON ISSUES OF CONCERN TO LAW ENFORCEMENT
Gray Davis has always supported the death penalty.
Gray strongly supports the "three strikes and you're out" approach for
violent three-time offenders, believing that a third-time loser is by
definition a career criminal.
Gray advocates significant enhancements in the sentencing of those
convicted of using -- firing, striking with or brandishing -- a gun in
the commission of a crime.
Gray favors the British system of treating juvenile perpetrators of
capital crimes as adults, and supports allowing District Attorneys the
prerogative of charging juveniles as adults for other serious crimes.
Gray strongly supports the right of victims and/or their families to
address the court during the sentencing phase of criminal trials.
Gray supported SB 1158, which reauthorized California's drug-asset
forfeiture law, and favors returning a larger percentage of seized assets
to local law enforcement agencies.
As Chairman of the California Council on Criminal Justice in 1975-76,
Gray began the statewide Neighborhood Watch Program.
As a State Assemblyman from 1983-1987, Gray stiffened penalties for
kidnapping a child and for those who solicit children to traffic drugs.
Also as an Assemblyman, Gray authored legislation toughening penalties
against landlords and operators of fortified "rock houses" where crack
was being sold and used. Supported by law enforcement, the bill passed
the Assembly on a 78-0 vote.
In the mid-'80s, Gray founded the highly successful California Foundation
for the Protection of Children, an award-winning, non-profit organization
that recruited more than 320 companies and labor unions to help find
missing children by publicizing their photos and descriptions on milk
cartons and grocery bags. The Foundation is presently chaired by Culver
City Police Chief Ted Cooke.
As one of three members of the State Board of Control, Gray has worked
with law enforcement agencies to involve peace officers in the
presentation of compensation to victims of crime through the Citizens
Indemnification Program. Since he took office in 1987, the Board has
disbursed $514 million to 256,000 crime victims.
As State Controller, Gray vigorously opposed a 1991 plan by Gov. Pete
Wilson to "rip off" special CalPERS accounts used for preserving the
purchasing power of retirees to help balance the State budget.
Gray publicly endorsed and actively campaigned for Proposition 172, the
ballot measure to extend the half-cent sales tax for public safety
purposes that was passed overwhelmingly by voters on November 2, 1993.
Gray served in Vietnam as a Captain in the U.S. Army and was awarded the
Bronze Star for meritorious service.
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