Defunding the Police ... ?

I've been doing some thinking ...and did you know, we can defund the police while simultaneously making them more effective ... ?

An old adage says, “when in doubt, create controversy.” To illustrate, look at a contemporary 'buzz phrase' making the rounds: 'Defund the Police'. You probably reacted as I did, with utter amazement! But before we completely toss out the premise, maybe we should take a comprehensive look at how 're-framing the issue' could work.

What if, upon reflection we realize that behind the phrase is the idea law enforcement agencies were done great disservice over the last 40 years? Having 'defunded' many programs that created a safety net for the most vulnerable within our society, we have dumped those populations, and their problems, on law enforcement. Besides dealing with public safety issues, we expected law enforcement officers to act as mental health workers, social workers, medical professionals, education specialists, family counselors, border patrol, etc ... . And each year the list gets longer.

Consequently, perhaps the 'true and real' goal should not be calling for disbanding the police, but an end to over-funding certain aspects of our police agencies ... ? We have purchased combat-grade equipment and training; yet, were consistently lacking in our ethical responsibility as 'servant leaders' to build a system of social programs focused on prevention, not punishment.

That means redirecting funds to establish programs that address mental health, homelessness, poverty, healthcare, eldercare, school diversity and racial injustice before they become a police matter. I believe the law enforcement community would embrace that pursuit. The officers who serve our community are important. And if we believe that, then we must take some of the burden off them. We must be willing to shoulder our responsibility to the most vulnerable among us.

Exactly how we do that is another conversation. To be sure, I have a plan. My campaign platform includes:
(1) Mandating 40 hours of crisis intervention training as a 'core mandate' for all GA Police Academies;
((2) Comprehensive Access to Mental Health Services, thereby fulfilling the DOJ unfunded mandates of 'beds & transportation to services';
3) And sponsoring legislation codifying within the OCGA a Low Priority Marijuana Enforcement Statute, it would not violate state or federal law but would help curb low level marijuana drug convictions from causing non-collateral life consequences which have no relevance with the severity of the crime of which they were convicted.

For now, perhaps it's best to avoid quick knee-jerk reactions to complex issues ...as the reality is there are no quick easy solutions to complex problems. And anyone who suggests otherwise is not truly being authentic with her, or his, audience.

If what you've just read is congruent with your personal belief system...consider voting for Stephen M. George Jr. MPA for GA General Assembly, House District 41 this election cycle!