Drug Policy Forum Of Texas

 

February 17, 2003 Meeting Minutes

 

  1. In attendance:

Dr. Robison, Tyler Morris, Steve and Cheryl Nolin, Tom Schubert, Tami Halphen, Jerry Epstein, Faye Hamilton, Christina Saavedra, Clayton Jones, Mike Strasser, Paul Junghas, Dean Becker and Duane Jones. Our guest speaker for this meeting was Ernesto Aguilar of “Copwatch”.

 

  1. Meeting started at 7:10 pm. Dr. Robison greeted the group.

 

 

  1. Dr. Robison briefly discussed the upcoming Lobby Day taking place in Austin on February 23rd and 24th. The class will teach you how to become a better lobbyist. He informed the group that Maria Jimenez, Director of the “Immigrant and Refugee Rights Program” for “Project Voice” was terminated from her job. They will be holding a press conference February 18, 2003.

 

 

  1. Tom asked Dr. Robison the status of our “Raising More Money” venture. Dr. Robison informed the group we are still having our Task Force meetings and everything is right on schedule.

 

 

  1. Dr. Robison introduced our guest speaker, Ernesto Aguilar.

 

 

  1. Ernesto took the floor and explained what Copwatch is and what they do. He showed us a brief video that was filmed in Berkley, California in 1990. This video showed members of Copwatch as they followed police officers while they are on duty. It also teaches you how to handle a police officer if he tries to make you leave a crime scene. He spoke in depth about some of the incidents that prompted him to join Copwatch. He passed out leaflets to the group, which explains to you what your rights are. Question and answer session followed. A lively discussion followed as members of the group told us some of the things they have seen police officers do while on duty. All in all, a very lively and informative discussion.

 

 

  1. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.