FRATERNALORDEROFPOLICEPRESIDENTIALQUESTIONNAIRE

BARACKOBAMARESPONSE
SectionOne: Employees'RightsIssues 1. TheFraternalOrderofPolicestronglysupportsH.R.82/S.206,theSocialSecurityFairnessAct, whichwouldrepealboththeWindfallEliminationProvision(WEP)andtheGovernmentPension Offset(GPO)incurrentlaw.TheWEPpenalizescertainpublicemployeeswhoalsoworkedinthe privatesectorandpaidintotheSocialSecuritysystem,throughasubstantialreductionintheir benefits,becausetheyalsocollectagovernmentpension.TheGPOprovisionincurrentlawcauses thereductionoreliminationofthespouse'sorwidow(er)'sbenefitfromSocialSecuritybytwo thirdsofthemonthlyamountreceivedfromthegovernmentpension.Areyouacosponsorofthis legislation?Ifelected,willyourAdministrationactivelysupportitsenactmentandwillyousignthe billifitispassedbyCongress? IamacosponsoroftheSocialSecurityFairnessAct(S.206).TheWindfallEliminationProvision andtheGovernmentPensionOffsethurtpoliceofficers,teachers,firefighters,andotherpublic employees,andIwillfighttoenactlegislationrepealingbothprovisionsaspresident.Wehavea responsibilitytotakecareofworkerswhohavedevotedtheirlivestopublicserviceandwe shouldntbediscouragingouryoungpeoplefromworkingintheseessentialjobs. 2. In1999,theCommissiontoStrengthenSocialSecurity(CSSS)issuedareportwhichrejecteda schemetomandateparticipationinSocialSecurityfornewlyhiredStateandlocalgovernment employeescurrentlyoutsidetheSocialSecuritysystem.Willyoupledgetoopposeanyplanandveto anylegislationwhichincludesaprovisionmandatingparticipationintheSocialSecuritysystemfor eithercurrentornewlyhiredStateandlocalgovernmentemployeesthatdonotcurrently participateinSocialSecurity? Ipledgetoopposeanyplantomandatethatstateandlocalgovernmentemployeesparticipatein theSocialSecuritysystem.Ivebeenaleaderineffortstoopposemandatorycoverage.In2005,I wasoneofelevenSenatorsandtheonlypresidentialcandidateotherthanSenatorDoddtosign aletterurgingtheSenateFinanceCommitteenottosupportSocialSecurityreformlegislationthat wouldrequiremandatorycoverageforstateandlocalemployees. 3. TheFraternalOrderofPolicestronglysupportslegislationwhichprovidesminimalcollective bargainingrightsforpublicsafetyemployees(i.e.,lawenforcementofficersandfirefighters).What isyourpositiononpublicemployeecollectivebargaining?TheFOPstronglysupportsH.R.980/S. 2123,thePublicSafetyEmployerEmployeeCooperationAct.Whatactivitieshaveyou undertakenorwhatcommitmentshaveyougivenwithrespecttotheconsiderationofthisbill?If elected,willyourAdministrationactivelysupportitsenactmentandwillyousignthebillifitis passedbyCongress?Wouldyoualsosupportsimilarprovisionsthatwouldallowuniformedand nonuniformedFederallawenforcementofficerstounionizeandengageincollectivebargaining? Publicsafetyofficersputtheirlivesonthelineeverydayanddeservetherighttobargain collectively.Intoomanycommunities,firefighters,policeofficersandotherpublicsafetyofficersare unabletobargainoverwagesandworkingconditions.ThatiswhyIamanoriginalcosponsorofthe FRATERNALORDEROFPOLICEPRESIDENTIALQUESTIONNAIRE|BARACKOBAMARESPONSE 1

PublicSafetyEmployerEmployeeCooperationAct.IwillsupportitintheSenateandIwillsignitas President. Mysupportforexpandedcollectivebargainingamongpublicsafetyofficialsisanimportantpartof mylargeragendasupportingworkersrighttoorganize.IamanoriginalcosponsoroftheEmployee FreeChoiceActandvotedforthelegislationbecauseIfirmlybelievethatprivatesectorworkers shouldalsobeabletochoosewhethertheywanttojoinaunionwithoutfearofintimidation, coercion,orthreatstotheirlivelihoods.IamconvincedthatmillionsofAmericanswouldjoina unionifgivenafairopportunity,buttheNationalLaborRelationsActinitscurrentformtoooften allowsemployerstoviolateworkersrightswithimpunity.EFCAisabipartisanefforttomakethe processoforganizinglessvulnerabletoemployerlawbreakingbyrequiringcardcheckrecognition andincreasingpenaltiesonemployersthatviolatethelaw.IwasdisappointedthattheSenatefailed topassEFCA.IwillcontinuetosupportitintheSenateandIwillsignitasPresident. Overthecourseofthisadministration,PresidentBushhassystematicallywipedoutlabor managementcooperationandsabotagedfederalworkersvoiceintheworkplace.Fromrevoking ExecutiveOrder12871,whichmandatedlabormanagementpartnershipsinallfederalagencies,to revokingtherightofDHSemployeestobargaincollectively,theBushadministrationhas consistentlyandforcefullymadeitclearthatitdoesnotthinkworkersshouldhaveasubstantive voiceintheworkplace.AsPresident,Iwillrestorefederalemployeesrighttoorganizeandbargain collectively,andIwillreturntolabormanagementcooperation. Onepartofthiseffortwillbetodirectthefederalagenciesundermycontroltoremainneutralin federalemployeeseffortstoorganize.Allworkers,includingfederalemployees,shouldchoose whethertheywanttojoinaunionwithoutfearofintimidation,coercion,orthreatstotheir livelihoods.Ihavebeenaconsistentsupporteroffederalemployeesrighttoorganizeandhave foughttoprotecttheirrightsintheworkplace.In2006,IintroducedtheFAAFairLabor ManagementDisputeResolutionAct,whichwouldpreventtheFAAAdministratorfromimposing contractchangesonFAAemployeesandrequirestheuseofbindingneutralarbitrationwhen negotiationsstall. Ibelieveunionsimproveourgovernmentandhelpittobetterservebothtaxpayersand governmentscustomersbygivingworkersavoiceintheworktheydo.Iwouldusethebullypulpit ofthepresidencytoeducateAmericansonunionsimportantroleinoursociety,includinginour government.Collectivebargainingplaysavitalroleingivingworkersavoiceintheworktheydo. Whenworkershaveavoice,theyareabletoincreaseproductivityandreducecosts.Weknowfrom anOfficeofPersonnelManagementreportthatwhenlaborandmanagementcooperateinthe federalgovernment,productivityincreasesandcostsarecut.TheBushadministrations administrationsassaultonunionshasonlyaggravatedlabormanagementrelations,reducing workerproductivityandincreasingcoststoAmericantaxpayers. Strengtheningworkersrighttoorganizeandbargaincollectivelyshouldntbecontroversial.Itwill beworkingAmericans,unitedandorganized,thatwillhelpusrestoreasenseofsharedprosperity andsecuritytothisnation.ThePublicSafetyEmployerEmployeeCooperationAct,therestoration offederalemployeesorganizingandcollectivebargainingrights,andEFCAareastartingpoint,but thereismoretodo.IwillappointmembersoftheNationalLaborRelationsBoard,theFederalLabor RelationsAuthority,andtheNationalMediationBoardwhorespecttherightstoorganizeand bargaincollectively. FRATERNALORDEROFPOLICEPRESIDENTIALQUESTIONNAIRE|BARACKOBAMARESPONSE 2

4. TheFraternalOrderofPolicestronglysupportslegislationwhichwouldarticulatetherightsoflaw enforcementofficerswhoare,inanumberofjurisdictions,deniedtheirdueprocessrightsbypolice administratorsandmanagement.AreyouacosponsorofH.R.688/S.449,theStateandLocalLaw EnforcementDiscipline,AccountabilityandDueProcessAct,whichprotectsthedueprocessrights oflawenforcementofficersinnoncriminal,administrativeproceedings?Ifelected,willyour AdministrationactivelysupportitsenactmentandwillyousignthebillifitispassedbyCongress? IstronglysupportSenatorBidensStateandLocalLawEnforcementDiscipline,Accountabilityand DueProcessAct.IwillvoteforitwhenitreachestheSenatefloorandIwillsignitasPresident.This legislationwillaccomplishtwocriticalgoals.First,itwillsafeguardtherightofalllawenforcement personneltoparticipateinourpoliticalprocess.Second,itwillprotectthebasicdueprocessrights oflawenforcementofficers.Asaformerprofessorofconstitutionallaw,Iamfirmlydedicatedtothe protectionofbothpoliticalrightsanddueprocessrightsforallworkers,includingthosewhoput theirlivesonthelinetodefendothersrights. 5. TheFraternalOrderofPolicestronglysupportsH.R.1073/S.1354,theLawEnforcementOfficers EquityAct,whichwouldexpandthedefinitionoflawenforcementofficerundertheCivilService RetirementSystemandtheFederalEmployeesRetirementSystemtoincludeallFederalpolice officers,aswellasCustomsandImmigrationInspectors.Whatisyourpositionregardingthecurrent disparityinthepayandbenefitsprovidedtolawenforcementofficersacrosstheFederal government,andwhatmeasureswillyousupporttoensureparityamongtheFederalgovernments firstresponders?AreyouacosponsorofH.R.1073/S.1354and,ifelected,willyourAdministration activelysupportitsenactment?WillyousignthebillifitispassedbyCongress? IstronglysupporttheLawEnforcementOfficersEquityAct,andwouldsignitintolawaspresident. 6. InAugust2004,newrulesgoverningtheexemptionsfromovertimeundertheFairLaborStandards Act(FLSA)alsoknownasthePart541orwhitecollarexemptionswentintoeffect.Thenew rules,whichtheFOPstronglysupports,makeseveralimportantchangesforpublicsafety employees.Forthefirsttimeever,theregulationsclarifythatneithertheregulationscontainedin 29CFRnortheSection13(a)(1)exemptionsapplytopoliceofficers,firefighters,EMTsandotherfirst responderswhoperformpublicsafetywork.Theregulationsgoontoclarifywhytheseemployees, regardlessoftheirrankorpaylevel,cannotbeclassifiedasexecutive,administrativeorprofessional employees,andthusbeexemptedfromreceivingovertimepay.Willyoupledgetosupportthese regulationsandopposeanyCongressionalorinterestgroupefforttoalterorotherwiseweaken theseexclusionsforpublicsafetyofficers?Willyoupledgetovetoanybillthatwouldoverturnor reducetheseprotections? IstronglysupporttheprovisionsoftheFairLaborStandardsActovertimeexemptionregulations whichgivespecialprotectiontofirstresponders,includingpoliceofficersandfirefighters.Iwill directmySecretaryofLabortoleavethesespecialregulatoryprotectionsinplaceandIwould opposeanylegislationwhichwouldallowtheiremployerstodeprivethesefirstrespondersoftheir hardearnedovertimepay.Itisworthremembering,however,thattheBushAdministrationwas forcedtoincludethesespecialprotectionsforfirstresponderswhenitattemptedtoforcethrougha sweepingantiworkerrewriteoftheovertimeregulationsthatwouldhavedeprivedmillionsof workersincludingfirstrespondersoftheirovertimepay.Thus,itmaybenecessaryformy SecretaryofLabortorevisitselectedprovisionsoftheBushovertimeregulationstoensurethatall workerswhoneedovertimeprotections,includingfirstresponders,areincludedwithinthescopeof FRATERNALORDEROFPOLICEPRESIDENTIALQUESTIONNAIRE|BARACKOBAMARESPONSE 3

theFairLaborStandardsAct.However,anymodificationoftheseregulationsinmyadministration wouldleavethespecialprotectionsforfirstrespondersinplace. 7. In2006,theMajoritystaffoftheHouseSubcommitteeonFederalWorkforceandAgency OrganizationandtheSenateSubcommitteeonOversightofGovernmentManagement,theFederal Workforce,andtheDistrictofColumbiareleasedaconceptpaperforaFederalLawEnforcement PersonnelSystem.Theproposalwouldincludeapayforperformancesystemandpaybanding. Whatisyourviewoftheconceptpaperandwouldyousupportlegislationderivedfromthepapers proposals? Experienceamongfederalemployeesalreadysubjectto"payforperformance"systemssuggests thatasimplementedthesesystemshavecreatedsignificantproblemswithoutincreasing productivityorrewardingindividualperformance."Paybanding"exacerbatesthisproblemasgood performersarerewardedwithinitialhigherannualraises,butquicklyapproachthetopoftheirpay bandtherebylimitingtheamountofannualraisestheycansubsequentlyreceive.Thissystemcan createadisincentiveforcontinuedgoodperformancewhileunderminingfederalemployees' willingnesstocollaboratewithoneanother,generatingunnecessarygrievances,andinterferingwith soundmanagementpractices.Ibelievethatfederallawenforcementpersonnelshouldbe compensatedfairlyfortheirworkandencouragedtoperformattheirhighestlevelsusingmultiple managementtoolsandthroughcollectivebargainingagreementswherecurrentlyapplicable. 8. TheFraternalOrderofPoliceisverycriticalofmanyaspectsoftheNationalSecurityPersonnel System(NSPS)attheU.S.DepartmentofDefensebecauseitdoesnottakeintoconsiderationthe uniquenatureoflawenforcementwork.Forthisreason,theFOPhassupportedeffortsbyMembers ofCongresstoendfundingforitsimplementation.TheFOPdidwinsomereformstotheNSPSwith theenactmentofH.R.4986,theNationalDefenseAuthorizationActforFiscalYear2008.Thisbill includedmanyfarreachingreformstotheNSPS,includingmodificationstothepayforperformance system,protectionofthecollectivebargainingrightsofourofficersandanewappealprocessusing theMeritSystemsProtectionBoard(MSPB).Didyousupportthesereformsandwouldyour AdministrationbewillingtofurtherreformtheNSPS,ifnotdefunditcompletely? IsupportthepartialrepealoftheNationalSecurityPersonnelSystem(NSPS)includedinthe NationalDefenseAuthorizationActforFiscalYear2008.Inparticular,Isupportthereformsthat blockedtheexemptionof650,000DepartmentofDefensecivilianpersonnelfromtheFederal ServiceLaborManagementRelationsStatute,stoppedthecreationofalimitedcollectivebargaining regimeundertheDefenseSecretarysunilateralcontrol,andcreatedanewMSPBappealsprocess toassurethatDODscivilianpersonnelareassuredofafairprocesswhentheyfacediscipline.My AdministrationwillworkwithFOPandotherstakeholdersonfurtherreformstotheNSPS. 9. TheFraternalOrderofPolicestronglysupportstheuseofDefinedBenefit(DB)pensionplansfor publicemployeesandareconcernedthattheseplansareunderfireattheStateandlocallevelin favorofDefinedContributionplans,whichdonothaveguaranteedbenefitsforretirees.ManyState lawmakershaveproposedlegislationwhichwouldreplaceexistingDefinedBenefitplanswith DefinedContributionplans,therebyreducingretirementbenefitsforemployees.Whatisyour positioninrespecttoDefinedBenefitandDefinedContributionplansandhowmightyour AdministrationaddressthisissueattheFederallevel?

FRATERNALORDEROFPOLICEPRESIDENTIALQUESTIONNAIRE|BARACKOBAMARESPONSE

Withrespecttoencouragingtheadoptionofdefinedbenefitplansbystateandlocalgovernments,I believethatexpandingorganizingandcollectivebargainingamongstateandlocalgovernment employeesisthelikeliestpathtoachievingthisgoal.Throughoutoureconomy,unionizedworkers arefarmorelikelytohaveretirementplans,includingdefinedbenefitplans,thanunrepresented workers.WhenthePublicSafetyEmployerEmployeeCooperationActbecomeslaw,stateandlocal governmentemployeeswillbeabletogivethemselvestheopportunitytodemanddefinedbenefit pensionsatthebargainingtableand/orinthepolicymakingprocess.Myadministrationwillbe vigilantinmonitoringfundinglevelsofemployerpensionsandwillworkwithstatestoensurethat employersareprovidingappropriatefunding. ThemostimportantdefinedbenefitpensionsysteminourcountryisSocialSecurity.Iwillworkina bipartisanwaytopreserveSocialSecurityforfuturegenerationswithoutexpandingmandatory coveragetostateandlocalgovernmentemployees.IwillopposeanyefforttoprivatizeSocial Security.Thefocusofreformoptionsshouldbeonprotectingthebasicintegrityandfairnessofthe SocialSecurityprogram,whichprovidesavitalsafetynettomillionsofseniorsandAmericanswith disabilities.SocialSecurityismorethanjustaretirementplan;itisalsoaprogramofsocial insurance.TheproblemswithSocialSecurityarerealbutmanageable. 10. TheFraternalOrderofPoliceisthelargestlabororganizationrepresentingthiscountryslaw enforcementprofessionalsand,assuch,wehavebeeninvolvedwiththeAdministrationonawide rangeoflaborissues,includingservingasamemberoftheLaborAdvisoryCouncilforTrade NegotiationsandTradePolicy.Wewerealsoinvolvedinanefforttoevaluatealawenforcement trainingprograminIraq.AsPresident,howwillyouinvolveandconsultwithourleadershiprelating tolaborissues? IamrunningforpresidentinpartbecauseIamtiredofplayingdefensewhenitcomestoprotecting thiscountrysworkers.Iamreadytoplayoffenseforworkersrighttoorganizeandcollectively bargain;forworkersabilitytoretirewithdignity;andforworkersrighttoearndecentwagesand benefits.Thevoiceoflaborwillbeheardinmyadministration.Iviewunionsandlabororganizations aspartnersinprotectingourworkers,notadversaries.AndtheFraternalOrderofPolicewillbean importantpartnerinrestoringworkersinterestsincludingtheinterestsofournationslaw enforcementofficerstothetopoftheagenda.Iwillforgeastrongworkingrelationshipwiththe FOPonallmattersthatimpactsthesecurityofourborders,aswellasthoseissuesthatimpacthow lawenforcementprovidesfortheircommunitiesandfamilies. SectionTwo: CriminalJusticeIssues 1. TheFraternalOrderofPolicewasthechiefadvocateforthepassageofH.R.218/S.253,theLaw EnforcementOfficersSafetyAct,whichwassignedintolawinJuly2004.Thelawexempts qualifiedactiveandretiredlawenforcementofficersfromStateandlocalprohibitionsonthe carryingofconcealedfirearms.Wereyouacosponsorofeitherofthesebillsinthe108thCongress? HowdidyouvoteonSenateRollCallVote#26?(108thCongress,2March2004) Iamastrongproponentoftheneedtoprotectourretiredlawenforcementofficersbypermitting thoseindividualstocarryconcealedweapons.IwasnotamemberofCongresswhentheLaw EnforcementOfficersSafetyActwasenacted,butIstronglysupportthatlaw.IntheIllinoisState

FRATERNALORDEROFPOLICEPRESIDENTIALQUESTIONNAIRE|BARACKOBAMARESPONSE

Senate,Ivotedtoallowretiredpeaceofficersandmilitarypersonnelwhohaveservedhonorablyfor atleast10yearstoreceiveapermittocarryconcealedfirearms. 2. TheFOPsupportsH.R.2627/S.376,theLawEnforcementOfficersSafetyAct,whichwouldmake minorchangesto18USC926Band926CtheFederallawofthesamename.TheFOPsupportsthis amendmentpackagetoensurethatretiredofficersaretreatedfairlybytheirStateswithrespectto implementingtheFederallawandtoclarifytheauthorityofFederallawenforcementofficersunder 18USC926Band926C.Areyouacosponsorofthislegislation?Ifelected,willyourAdministration activelysupportitsenactmentandwillyousignthebillifitispassedbyCongress? IapplaudtheworkofSenatorLeahyandotherswhohaveworkedonS.376toamendtheLaw EnforcementOfficersSafetyActsothatCongressspurposesarenotfrustratedbyinconsistentand differingstateinterpretationsandproceduresimplementingthelaw.Myadministrationwillactively supportitsenactmentandIwillsignthelegislationaspresident. 3. TheFOPsupportslegislationlikeS.1235,theDanielFaulknerLawEnforcementOfficersand JudgesProtectionAct,whichwouldincreasethepenaltiesforthreatsandviolenceagainstlaw enforcementofficers,judges,andcourtroompersonnelincludingmakingthemurderorattempted murderofalawenforcementofficeremployedbyanagencythatreceivesFederalfundsacapital offense.ThelegislationalsoimposestimeandothersubstantivelimitsonFederalcourtsreviewof habeascorpuspetitionschallengingaStatecourtconvictionforkillingalawenforcementofficer, judge,orotherpublicsafetyofficerandincorporatesanexistingprovisionoftheFederalhabeas statutethatisusedtodeterminewhetheradefendantmayfileasuccessivepetitionorseekanew evidentiaryhearinginFederalcourt.ThelegislationalsoincludeslanguageidenticaltoH.R.2627/S. 376asdescribedabove.Areyouacosponsorofthislegislation?Ifelected,willyourAdministration activelysupportitsenactmentandwillyousignthebillifitispassedbyCongress? Protectingthesafetyofourlawenforcementofficersandjudgeswillbeapriorityofmy administration.AfterthehorrificmurderofanIllinoisfederaljudge'smotherandhusband,Iworked withSenatorDurbintobeefupsecurityatourfederalcourthouses.Wealsosecured$12millionto improvesecurityforfederaljudgesandrequestingaGovernmentAccountabilityOfficeinvestigation intoadditionalstepsthatcanbetakentoprotectjudgesandthosewhoserveandprotectour judiciary. 4. TheFraternalOrderofPolicesupportslegislationthatwouldlimittheamountofdamagesthata criminaldefendantcouldrecoverasaresultofinjuriesthatthecriminalincurredinthecourseof committingorbeingapprehendedforafelonyoracrimeofviolence.WouldyourAdministration supportsuchlegislationifitwereintroduced?Willyoupledgetosignsuchabillifitispassedby Congress? Ingeneral,Iamopposedtoestablishingarbitrarycapsoncivildamages. 5. Forwhatcrimesdoyoubelievethatthedeathpenaltyisappropriate? Ibelievethatthedeathpenaltyisanappropriatepunishmentforheinouscrimes.Ibelievethereare somecrimessuchasthekillingoflawenforcementofficers,massmurders,andtherapeand murderofachildsoheinous,sobeyondthepale,thatthecommunityisjustifiedinexpressingthe fullmeasureofitsoutragebymetingouttheultimatepunishment.IntheIllinoisStateSenate,Ihave FRATERNALORDEROFPOLICEPRESIDENTIALQUESTIONNAIRE|BARACKOBAMARESPONSE 6

supportedandvotedforlegislationtoextendthecategoriesofheinouscrimeseligibleforthedeath penaltysuchasmurdersinvolvingcertaindomesticviolencecases,seniorcitizens,andfamily membersofcommunitypolicingvolunteers.Iwasalsothechiefcosponsoroflegislationthatwould havemadethecommissionofmurdernearaplaceofworshipacrimeeligibleforthedeathpenalty. Becauseofmycommitmenttoensuringafairlyadministereddeathpenaltyandtoensuringthat properconvictionsstandincourt,IledeffortsinIllinoistoreformabrokensystemthatsent13 innocentpeopletodeathrow.Ididsobybringinglawenforcementgroupsandcivilrightsadvocates togethertopassalawrequiringvideotapingofinterrogationsandconfessionsincapitalcases. 6. InDecember2006,astheFOPmarkedthe25thanniversaryofthemurderofPhiladelphiaPolice OfficerDanielFaulknerbyWesleyCook,whoisbetterknownbyhisalias,MumiaAbuJamal,asmall towninthesuburbsofParisdecidedtonameastreetafterthiskiller.Similarly,aChicagoalderman proposedseveralyearsagotonameastreetinhonorofaBlackPantherthugnamedFredHampton, whoadvocatedthekillingofpoliceofficers.IfyouwereaMemberoftheHouseinthe109th Congress,howwouldyouhavevotedonfinalpassageforH.Res.1082,whichcondemnedthe actionsofSt.Denis,FranceinhonoringDannyFaulknerskiller(RollCallVote#527)?AsPresident, whatactionswouldyouandyourAdministrationtaketodeterorcondemneffortsbylocal,State, Federalorforeigngovernmentstohonorthosewhokillorurgethekillingournationspolice officers?WhatactionswillyouandyourAdministrationtaketocurbpoliticallymotivatedattackson lawenforcementofficersandwhatstepswillyouandyourAdministrationtaketoreinforcethe publicconfidenceinpolice? Ournation'slawenforcementareourcommunitiesfirstlineofdefensefromthosewhowoulddo ourcitizensharm.Ideploreactstoharmorkillournationspoliceofficers,andopposeeffortsto glorifythosewhocommitsuchacts.Myadministrationwillfocusonhonoringournationslaw enforcementofficers,whodayafterdayputthemselvesinharmsway,byensuringthatthey receivethefundingandsupportneededtoequipandtrainthem,providethemthetechnologythey needtokeepthemselvesandourcommunitiessafe,andtoprotecttheirrighttounionizeand collectivelybargain. 7. TheFOPhaslongbeenconcernedaboutforeigngovernmentsprovidingshelterforcriminalswho committedmurderorotherseriousviolentcrimesinthiscountry,andsubsequentlyfledtoanother. TheFOPstronglyopposesnormalizationofrelationswithCubauntilthisissueisresolved,andwe havebeencriticalofothergovernments,includingFrance,Israel,andMexico,onthissamepoint.At theFOPsBiennialNationalConferencein2007,ourmembershipadoptedaresolutionurgingthe PresidentoftheUnitedStatesandtheCongresstotakeanyandallmeasuresnecessarytoenforce the1978ExtraditionTreatymadebetweentheUnitedMexicanStatesandtheUnitedStatesof America,including,butnotlimitedtothecancellationorrenegotiationoftheExtraditionTreaty andimpositionofsanctionsincludingbutnotlimitedtorescindingallfinancialaidandsupportto thatGovernmentandanyandallbenefitsaffordedtothatGovernmentundertheNorthAmerican FreeTradeAgreementtoensurethatthosewhocommitcrimesofviolenceintheUnitedStatesare extraditedandprosecutedunderthelawsoftheUnitedStates.Whatstepswillyouandyour AdministrationtaketoplacepressureonMexicoandotherforeigngovernmentsthatprovidesafe harborforthosewhocommitcrimesofviolenceintheU.S.andwillyoupledgetomakesurethat yourAdministrationfullyaddressestheissueofextraditionofexistingandfuturefugitiveswhen consideringagreementswithforeigngovernments? FRATERNALORDEROFPOLICEPRESIDENTIALQUESTIONNAIRE|BARACKOBAMARESPONSE 7

CooperationwithU.S.lawenforcementefforts,includingobservanceoftheletterandspiritofthe extraditiontreaty,isakeycomponentofhowweevaluateMexico'srelationshipwiththeUnited States.TheUnitedStatesshouldusethefullrangeofdiplomaticandpoliticalresourcesatits disposaltoemphasizetheimportanceofsuchcooperationandachieveimprovementswhere necessary.TheleadershipofthecurrentMexicangovernmentappearstohaveapronounced interestinadvancinglawenforcementgoals,offeringusauniqueopportunitytomoveforwardin thiscriticalarea. Lastsummer,IworkedonbehalfofthefamilyofDr.DavidCornbleet,whowasbrutallymurderedin hisofficeinChicago.Afterthemurder,thekiller,HansPetersen,acquiredaFrenchpassportand escapedtotheFrenchislandofSt.Maarten.IpushedtheSecretaryofStatetourgetheFrench governmenttoturnMr.PetersenovertotheCookCountypoliceforprosecutionintheUnited States.TheFrenchgovernment'sfailuretoturnoverMr.Petersenissymptomaticoftheseproblems andmyAdministrationwillusepressuretogetthesecountriestocooperatesothatjusticewillbe served. 8. Racialprofiling,onceapoliticalbuzzwordandafavoritetopicofthemedia,disappearedfromthe headlinesfollowingtheattacksontheUnitedStateson11September2001.TheFOPhas condemnedthepracticeandassertedthatitisnotthepolicyofanyU.S.lawenforcementagencyto baseenforcementdecisionssolelyonrace.However,legislationlikeH.R.4611/S.2481,theEnd RacialProfilingAct,continuestobeintroducedinCongress.Areyouacosponsorofthisbill?How doyoudefineracialprofiling?DoyoubelievethatFederallegislationisnecessarytoaddressthis issueandifso,whatwouldthelegislationdoandhowwoulditaffectlawenforcementactivityat theStateandlocallevel? Lastyear,theDepartmentofJusticereleasedasurveythatfoundthatblacksandHispanicsaremore thantwiceaslikelyaswhitestobesearched,arrested,threatened,orsubduedwithforcewhen stoppedbypolice.Ofthosewhohadforceusedagainstthem,83percentfeltthattheforcewas excessive.Althoughpolicedepartmentshavemadeconsiderableprogressonthisscore,Ibelieve thatwehavemoreworktodo.Asastatesenator,Iintroducedandpassedalawrequiringthe IllinoisDepartmentofTransportationtorecordtherace,ageandgenderofalldriversstoppedfor trafficviolationssothatbiascouldbedetectedandaddressed.TheIllinoisStatePolicesupported thislegislation,andhaveuseditsdatareportingrequirementstobuildtrustbetweenlaw enforcementofficersandthecommunitiestheyserve.TheISPhasalsoimplementedproactive initiativestoendorcombattheperceptionofbias.IworkedcloselywiththeIllinoisFOPonthis legislation,andwillsimilarlyworkwiththenationalFOPinpursuingafederalcounterpart. IhavecosponsoredtheEndRacialProfilingActof2007(S.2481)toofficiallybanracialprofilingand requirefederal,stateandlocallawenforcementagenciestotakestepstoeliminatethepracticeby collectingdataanddevelopingprocedurestorespondtocomplaintsanddisciplineoffending officers.Ibelievethatthislegislationisnecessarytoensurethatthispracticeisnotusedbyanyof ourlawenforcementagenciesandtoestablishenforcementandaccountabilitymechanismsto ensurethatpublicconfidenceinourpoliceofficersremainshigh.AsmembersoftheFOParewell aware,trustbetweenournationslawenforcementofficersandthepeopletheyserveisessential fortheworkpolicedoeveryday.Withoutit,itisdifficulttofosterthecooperationandpartnerships thatarenecessarytoprevent,investigate,andprosecutecrimes.Ibelievethislegislationisessential tomakingclearthatracialprofilinghasnoplaceinourpolicedepartmentsandtosendthemessage thatourjusticesystemisnotbiasedtowardspeopleofcolor. FRATERNALORDEROFPOLICEPRESIDENTIALQUESTIONNAIRE|BARACKOBAMARESPONSE 8

9. WouldyourAdministrationimposeracecollectioncriteriaonFederallawenforcementofficers duringenforcementactions? Asnotedabove,Ibelieveweneedtomonitorourprogressoneradicatingracialprofilingbothasa meanstoidentifyandaddressproblemsandtoensureconfidenceinourcriminaljusticesystemby promotingtransparency.TheEndRacialProfilingActwillaccomplishthisby:(1)authorizingthe AttorneyGeneraltoissueregulationsforthecollectionofdataonracialprofilingbyfederal,state, andlocallawenforcementoffices;(2)requiringtheBureauofJusticeStatisticstoissueanannual reporttoCongressthatanalyzesthedatacollected;and(3)requiringtheAttorneyGeneralto deliverhis/herownannualreporttoCongressandthepubliconourprogressinendingracial profiling.Atthesametime,thelegislationprotectspoliceofficersbyprohibitingthereleasetothe publicofidentifyinginformationonofficersinvolvedinanycases. 10. InthepastseveralCongresses,numerouspiecesoflegislationhavebeenintroducedwhichattempt toexpandthedefinitionofhatecrimes.WhatisyourpositiononthisissueisFederallegislation necessaryandhowshouldsuchcrimesbedefined?Wouldyouconsidermakingthemurderofalaw enforcementofficeracrimeofhate? Ihavecosponsoredfederallegislationthatwouldexpandfederaljurisdictiontoreachviolenthate crimesperpetratedbecauseofrace,color,religion,nationalorigin,sexualorientation,gender identity,orphysicaldisability.Asastatesenator,Ipassedtoughlegislationthatmadeconspiracyto commithatecrimesagainstthelaw.Aspresident,IwillensurethattheCriminalSectionoftheCivil RightsDivisionmakeshatecrimeenforcementapriority.Ibelieveweneedtotakeallappropriate stepstoensurethatthosewhomurderlawenforcementofficersandtheirfamiliesareprosecuted andpunishedtothefullestextentofthelawincludingthedeathpenaltywhereapplicableand appropriate.Idonotbelieveweneedtoextendhatecrimeslegislationtolawenforcementofficers. 11. In1996CongresspassedtheDomesticViolenceOffenderGunBan,orLautenbergLaw,asitis popularlyknown.ThelanguagewasasmallpartofthehugeOmnibusConsolidatedAppropriations Act,amustpassbillenactedonthefinaldayofthe104thCongress.Therewerenohearingsand verylittledebateonthemeasurewhich,forthefirsttimeinthehistoryoffederalguncontrol, affectedlawenforcementofficersandmembersofthemilitary.ThelawprovidesaFederalfirearms disabilityforanypersonconvicted,regardlessofthedateofconviction,foramisdemeanoroffense inwhichdomesticviolenceisanactualorstatutoryelement.Thelawhashadnodemonstrable impactinthefightagainstdomesticviolencetodate,isnotbeingproperlyenforcedonmilitary personnel,andisaimedonlyatactivedutylawenforcementofficersunderthecurrentenforcement strategy.Becauseofliabilityconcerns,goodpoliceofficersarelosingtheirjobsforminoroffenses committedlongbeforethelawpassed.Whatisyourpositionwithrespecttothislaw,andwould yousupportlegislationtoamenditbymakingitsapplicationprospectivefromthedateoforiginal enactmentforallpersons?WouldyousignsuchabillifpassedbyCongress? Idonotsupportarepealofthislaw. 12. FederalfundingforStateandlocallawenforcementisaveryrealconcern,especiallygiventhe increasedhomelandsecurityresponsibilitiesofStateandlocalagencies.Thelawenforcementand widercriminaljusticecommunitywereseverelyimpactedbythetremendouslastminutecutstoour largestprograms.Withcrimetrendingupwardforthefirsttimeinmorethanadecade,howwillyou worktoensurecontinuedFederalfundingfortraditionallawenforcementprogramsandactivities? FRATERNALORDEROFPOLICEPRESIDENTIALQUESTIONNAIRE|BARACKOBAMARESPONSE 9

Iwillreversethisadministrationsideologicalassaultonfederalfundingforournationsstateand locallawenforcement.IwillfightstronglytorestorefundingtotheEdwardByrneJusticeAssistance Grants(Byrne/JAG)program,whichhasfacedseverecutsunderthisadministration.Funding Byrne/JAGisessentialtoavoidlawenforcementlayoffsandcutstohundredsofantidrugandanti gangeffortsacrossthecountry. IamalsoanoriginalcosponsorofabillwithSenatorBidenthatwillrestoreCOPSfunding.Beyond simplyputtingmorepoliceonthestreet,thislegislationwillprovidemoneyfortechnologygrantsto allowpolicedepartmentstobuyadvancedcrimemappingsoftwareandotherkeyequipment.Andit willhelplocaldistrictattorneyshiremorecommunityprosecutorssothatresidentsofatrisk municipalitieshaveadirectlinetothecriminaljusticesystem. Additionally,Ibelievethefederalgovernmentshouldsupportthroughfundinganddisseminationof bestpracticesinformationtheinnovativeandevidencebasedpolicingstrategiesthatarebeing usedincitiesthroughouttheU.S.tofightgangsandreduceyouthviolence.Manyofthesestrategies aredesignedwithaviewtowardscreatingarelationshipoftrustandfamiliaritybetweenlaw enforcementandthelocalcommunity,sothatpolicecanactswiftlybeforecrimeoccursandcan respondeffectivelyonceitdoes.NewYork,forinstance,hashadalotofsuccesswithtargeting policepresencetoareasthatareparticularlyatrisk.AndtheProjectSafeNeighborhoodsinitiative hashadsuccessreducinggunviolenceincertainChicagoneighborhoods,inlargepartasaresultof innovativepreventioninitiativesthatrelyonpubliceducationtochangeattitudesandbehaviors towardviolence,outreachusingrehabilitatedexoffendersandothertrustedcommunitymembers, andevaluationmethodstomonitorstrategy. 13. TheFOPhasconsistentlymaintained,throughouttheseveraldebatesonhomelandsecurityfunding legislation,thatthefirstpriorityofthehomelandsecurityeffortispreventingaterroristattackand thattheallhazardsapproachoftheU.S.DepartmentofHomelandSecurity(DHS)andtheFederal EmergencyManagementAgency(FEMA)compromisesthispriority.TheFOPbelievesthatFederal fundingdoesnotsufficientlyreflectthepreventiongoalandisgearedinsteadtowardspurchasing equipmentandtrainingtorespondtotheaftermathofacriticalincident.Whatisyourviewonthe allhazardsapproachandhowdoyouthinkitimpactslawenforcementsroleinthewaronterror andonaccesstoFederalfunds?AsPresident,wouldDHScontinuetofunctionasifitstoppriority weretorespondtoanallhazardsevent,orwouldtheDepartmentsprioritybepreventing terroristactsonoursoil? ItisimperativethattheDepartmentofHomelandSecuritybetargetedatthepreventionofterrorist events,whichiswhyIhaveproposedtakingFEMAoutofDHSandhavingitbeanindependent agency.Withsomanymissions,DHShasbeenunfocused.AsPresident,Iwouldensurethatweasa nationarepreparedforthenext"allhazards"eventbyhavingouremergencymanagement capabilitiesoperateoutsideofDHS. 14. TheFOPstronglysupportedtheREALIDActbecauselawenforcementofficersneedtohave confidencethatthedocumentspresentedtothemtoestablishtheidentityofagivenindividualare accurate.Officersrelyonthesedocumentsduringtrafficstopsandotherlawenforcementactions toaccessinformationrelatedtothatindividualscriminalhistory.DidyousupporttheREALIDActas aMemberofCongress?AsPresident,willyoucontinuetosupportitandensureadequatefunding toStatesforitsimplementation? FRATERNALORDEROFPOLICEPRESIDENTIALQUESTIONNAIRE|BARACKOBAMARESPONSE 10

IsupportNewHampshire,SouthCarolina,andotherstatesacrossthecountrythatopposethis unfundedmandate.ItisunclearhowREALIDwillbeimplemented,butitisclearthatstatesdont havethefundstopayforit.IampleasedthattheDepartmentofHomelandSecurityhasextended theenforcementdateandIhopethatextensionprovidesuswiththetimetofixthisproblem. 15. TheFraternalOrderofPoliceandothersinthelawenforcementcommunityhaveraisedconcerns aboutthestandardsforPersonalProtectiveEquipment(PPE),specificallywiththecreationof consensusbasedstandardsandchangesintheStateHomelandSecurityGrantProgramandits AuthorizedEquipmentList.Becauseofrecentchangestothegrantguidelines,lawenforcement agenciesarenowunabletopurchasepersonalprotectiveequipmentwhichtheyhadbeenableto buyasrecentlyasFY2003becausetheydonotconformtotheNationalFireProtectiveAssociation (NFPA)Standard1994.PriortoFY2003,theNFPAStandardwasonlyarecommendationandnota requirement,asitwasrecognizedthatafireprotectiveassociationwasnotwellsuitedtoevaluate thePPEneedsoflawenforcementofficersfacingtacticalsituations.AsPresident,howwillyouwork withtheFOPtogivethemameaningfulvoiceinthecreationofconsensusbasedstandardsforlaw enforcementPPEandaccesstotheequipmentthattheydependontodotheirjobssafely?Would yourAdministrationsupporttheuseofmilitaryspecificationstandardsforPPEasacceptablefor civilianlawenforcementuse? Iagreethata"onesizefitsall"approachrarelyworks,andIamwillingtoexaminetheissueofPPE standards.IexpecttoworkwiththeFOPandotherlawenforcementgroupstoensurethatour nation'slawenforcementhaveaccesstotheequipmentbestsuitedtotheirneeds. 16. Becauseoftheincreasedpoliticizationoffirearmsissuesandthelackofanymeaningfulpublic safetycomponentinmanylegislativeproposals,themembershipoftheFOPadoptedaresolution statingthatitwouldnotsupportadditionalguncontrollegislationbeyondoursupportforthe measuressignedintolawin1994.WillyourAdministrationseektopushanyadditionalgun controlmeasures?Ifso,whatpublicsafetybenefitdoyouexpecttoachieveandwhyshouldthe FOPoverturnitsresolutiononthisissue? IgreatlyrespecttheconstitutionalrightsofAmericanstobeararms.ButIalsobelievethatwecan respecttheSecondAmendmentandstemgunviolenceinourcommunities.Itisespecially importanttostopthetraffickingofillegalguns,andmylegislativeprioritieswillfocusonthe commonsensestepswecantaketodojustthat. First,weknowthatwhenlawenforcementagenciesoperateinconcertatthefederal,state,and locallevels,thechancesofsolvingacrimeincreases.Butsince2003,theTiahrtAmendmenthas restrictedtheabilityoftheBureauofAlcohol,Tobacco,FirearmsandExplosives(ATF)tosharegun traceinformationwithmembersofstateandlocallawenforcement.TheATFhasawideranging databaseofguninformation,yetWashingtonhasthreatenedpoliceofficerswithtimeinprisonfor attemptingtoaccessit.IfwerepealthisAmendment,itwillgivepoliceofficersthetoolstheyneed tofighttheillegalguntradeandreducecrime. Second,Isupportrequiringbackgroundchecksandclosingthegunshowloopholethathasbeen exploitedbyeveryonefromforeignterroriststotheColumbineHighSchoolshooters.Closingit wouldnotimpairtherightsoflawfulgunowners.

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Finally,Ibelieveweshouldreinstateandmakepermanenttheexpiredfederalassaultweaponsban. WevewitnessedtheneedforthebaninmyhometownofChicago,whereMayorDaleyandthe ChicagoPoliceDepartmentarebackingaplantoequipofficerswithsemiautomaticassaultriflesin partbecauseourofficershavebeenoutgunnedbycriminalsequippedwithAK47sandsimilar weapons. 17. In1995,PoliceOfficerStephanieMohr,acanineofficerwiththePrinceGeorgesCountyMaryland PoliceDepartment,respondedtoacallinanareawhichhadseenatremendousincreasein burglariesanddrugtrafficking.Withotherofficers,sheresponded,andwhilesubduingthesuspects, releasedherpartnerwhobitandinjuredasuspectwhowasillegallypresentintheU.S.Shewas chargedwithseveralviolationsofFederalcivilrightslawand,afterasecondtrial,wasconvictedand sentencedtotenyears.Morerecently,U.S.BorderPatrolAgentsJoseAlonsoCompeanandIgnacio Ramos,whoareservingsentencesof11and12years,respectively,wereconvictedofseveral Federalcivilrightsoffensesonthestrengthofasingleeyewitnessaccount.Theeyewitnesswasthe victimadrugdealerwhohadillegallycrossedtheborderintotheUnitedStateswithmorethan sevenhundredpoundsofmarijuana.Thedrugdealerwasshotandinjuredafteraimingagunatthe officerswhilefleeingbackacrosstheborder.IfelectedPresident,willyoupledgetoreviewthese casescarefullyandseriouslyconsidercommutationofthesentencesreceivedbytheselaw enforcementofficers,whowereunfairlyprosecutedforactionstheytookinthelineofduty? Ifelected,myadministrationwillreviewthesecasescloselyandcarefully. 18. Lawenforcementisanexceedinglydangerousprofession,withanaverageofonehundredandfifty (150)officerswhodieinthelineofdutyeveryyear.Since1962,theFederalgovernmenthas recognizedthesacrificesoflawenforcementofficerskilledinthelineofdutybydesignating15May asNationalPeaceOfficersMemorialDay.Nearlythirtyyearsago,theNationalFOPbeganholding aMemorialServiceonthisdaytohonorthememoriesofthefallenofficersandtheirlovedones. ThiseventisheldontheWestFrontoftheU.S.Capitolandisattendedbythefamiliesofthe officers,aswellasthousandsoffellowofficersandfriends.Forthelastfifteenyears,thekeynote speakerforthiseventhasbeenthePresidentoftheUnitedStates.Willyoupledgetoattendthe May15thMemorialServiceeventhonoringthefamiliesandmemoryofournationsslainheroes? Yes,IwillattendaspresidentandwillmakeitapointtohonorNationalPeaceOfficersMemorial Dayeveryyear. 19. SincetheFraternalOrderofPoliceisthelargestlabororganizationrepresentingthiscountryslaw enforcementprofessionals,howwillyouinvolveandconsultwithourleadershipconcerningany legislation,hearings,orotherCongressionalactivityrelatingtocriminaljusticeissues? TacklingviolentcrimewillbeanimportantchallengeofthenextAdministration.MyDepartmentof JusticewilltakeonthattaskbypartneringwithFOPandournationslawenforcementofficersto ensurethatwehaveenoughpoliceofficersonthestreets,todevelopandscaleupcrimeprevention techniquesthathavebeenproventowork,andtoensurethatourofficershavethetechnologyand supporttheyneedtopreventandinvestigatecrimes.TheFOPhasalsoplayedaninvaluablerolein oureffortstoensurearobustpoliceforceinIraq,andthatwillcontinueundermyadministration. Andashomelandsecurityissuescontinuetotakeaforefrontinournation,theFOPscounselis essentialtooureffortstonotonlytrainandequipournation'sfirstresponders,butalsoin respectingandhonoringtheirlabor. FRATERNALORDEROFPOLICEPRESIDENTIALQUESTIONNAIRE|BARACKOBAMARESPONSE 12