In 60 Seconds: Policing Reform

PDF Download: In 60 Seconds – Policing Reform

Communities throughout the country have enacted police reforms following the death of George Floyd.

The vast majority of Americans agree that cases of police brutality must be addressed. There is strong bipartisan support for policing reform that encourages fair and respectful treatment, and holds police officers accountable.

Here’s the issue of policing reform in 60 seconds:

What’s at Stake

Communities throughout the country have enacted police reforms following the death of
George Floyd.

The vast majority of Americans agree that cases of police brutality must be addressed. There is
strong bipartisan support for policing reform that encourages fair and respectful treatment,
and holds police officers accountable.

However, defunding the police is not the answer:

• The push to reduce police funding is unpopular. Only 15% of Americans support
  defunding the police.
• Reduced funding would mean fewer police officers on the street and responding to calls.
• Community engagement programs—which have actually proven to be effective at
  improving community-police relations—are often the first things cut when funding is
  reduced.
• Already, 93% of police officers today are concerned for their safety and three out of
  four report a reluctance to use force, even when they think it’s appropriate.

Better Ways To Address Police Reform

Review Management Systems and Add Accountability Measures
Lawmakers should support common-sense police reform, such as:

• changes to management, training, and hiring practices
• accountability measures, such as body cameras and transparency in disciplinary
  records, and
• community-based alternatives.

While officers who commit wrongdoing should face consequences, the vast majority of police
officers are good people who play an important role in keeping our communities safe.

All Americans Should Feel Safe In Their Neighborhoods

• We should work to ensure the right to feel safe in our communities.
• Rioting, looting, or the destruction of property cannot be tolerated.
• We must ensure that officers have the resources they need to respond to domestic
  violence calls and other crimes.
• Studies show that a strong police presence in communities deters crime.

Addressing Misperceptions: