Following political novice at the National Sheriffs Association, former Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., touted his law enforcement experience.
“Anybody can stand up here and read a speech about these issues,” Webb said, later adding that he “has the experience.”
Webb has yet to announce his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination, but is expected to jump into the race. Webb, who spent six years in the Senate, served as secretary of the Navy, assistant secretary of defense, a congressional staffer and a Marine Corps officer, spending much of his career focusing on solving issues surrounding the American criminal justice system.
Before running for Senate in 2006, Webb was a strong opponent of the Iraq war. He may use the issue to contrast himself with Hillary Clinton, who voted for the war.
While in the Senate, Webb filed the Criminal Justice Commission Act, aiming to reform the justice system in America. The bill was intended to repair racial disparities within the system, address issues surrounding mental illness and America’s disproportionately high incarceration rate. While the bill had widespread Democratic support, it was filibustered by Republicans and did not pass.
In his speech, Webb pointed to the legislation and said he wants to streamline the law enforcement process. Citing the riots in Baltimore after Freddie Gray’s death in police custody, Webb warned against police militarization.
“There is a difference between being an infantry officer and a police officer,” Webb said. “[W]hen you see in some of these communities our local law enforcement heaved up with some of this heavy gear and military the military vehicles in the street. You would only want to be doing that in extraordinary situations. The best role for our local law enforcement in regular situations is one of harmony and a guarantor.”
