What You Should Know
Most Americans, regardless of color, believe that police are a critical part of creating safe communities, especially minority communities. As a society, we recognize that police put their lives on the line in service of duty, and we provide them with the resources and support they need to do their jobs effectively. But we also expect that they will not abuse their power or operate in a way that brings greater harm to communities.
Recent civil unrest sweeping many cities has prompted discussions about aggressive policing tactics and the use of force. Under the banner of Black Lives Matter, citizens, activists, and agitators are calling to defund the police and demanding reforms that they believe will prevent deadly interactions. On its face, this movement aims to draw attention to racial disparities in policing and the criminal justice system. However, the organization behind it promotes a radical leftist agenda that seeks to undermine law enforcement under the false assumption that fewer police officers on the streets will lead to better outcomes for people of color.
Reducing the number of cops on the street and slashing police budgets will leave minorities, who are disproportionately victimized by violent crime, in an even more vulnerable position. There are, however, some reforms, including increased accountability for officer misconduct, that can address concerns about excessive force and restore the lost trust between police and the people they serve.
