What Does 'Defund the Police' Mean?

After the death of George Floyd, the nation erupted with protests speaking out against police brutality. Slowly, over the past week throughout the United States, calls to “defund the police” have been made loud and clear. But, what would defunding the police really look like?

What Does “Defund the Police” Mean?

When you hear people chanting “defund the police” you may be thinking, “well, that sounds a little radical.” Of course, defunding or disbanding the police altogether would be a radical move (and probably a mistake). What protestors are calling for, however, is something a little different.

Every city has a different plan for how defunding the police might roll out. In theory, calls to defund and disband are urging leaders to reinvent and reimagine public safety. For example, some proposals call for an end to no-knock warrants and raids. Other proposals have focused on the restrictions of military-grade equipment to police departments.

Where Should The Money Go?

These proposals for defunding police departments will vary from city to city though. Minneapolis, for instance, has been looking to make $200 million in budget cuts city-wide. Lisa Bender, the city council president, would like to see these cuts come from the police department and shifted to other areas of need within the city.

In other cities, activities are calling for money that is currently being spent on police overtime and buying expensive equipment to be focused on education, housing, and mental health programs instead. With sufficient funding, activists are certain these societal changes would help cut down crime and violence.

Places That Have Implemented These Changes

Defunding the police isn’t a new concept either (it is just the first time it is being widely considered). Some cities have made changes to their police departments already. In Austin, Texas, for instance, 911 operators are trained to ask if the person needs police, fire, or mental health services.

In Eugene, Oregon, they have an entire team of people who deploys a medic and a crisis worker to all emergency calls. One of the biggest success stories of them all is Camden, N.J. Once known as the murder capital in the states, Camden revamped its police force in a big way. Officers were put under training focused on them holding their fire.

Final Thoughts

In Minneapolis, nine members of the city council pledged to dismantle the city’s police department. Councilmembers stated the current system could not be reformed, but they wish to create a new system of public safety.

While no one is really sure what policing will look like in the future, it will take a long time to execute well. Camden, for instance, started revamping its police department in 2017. It took years to get to a good place with its new processes.

One thing is for sure though. Change is on the horizon for the United States, in a big way.

Amanda Blankenship

Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. With a BA in journalism from Wingate University, she frequently writes for a handful of websites and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.