Calls for defunding the police have rung out nationwide. Due to increasing public pressure, many cities quickly began the process of defunding their police departments.
The City That Started It All...
After George Floyd's death, protests, riots, and anti-police sentiment grew in Minneapolis. As a result, the Minneapolis City Council announced in June of 2020 a plan to dismantle the cities police force.
Officers across the city were put in the position of working to defend their city and protect its residents while facing the fact that no one seemed to want them anymore.
In a 2020 interview with CNN's Alisyn Camerota, City Council President Lisa Bender states calling officers for help "comes from a place of privilege."
She added people should "step back and imagine what it would feel like to already line in that reality where calling the police may mean more harm."
In response, Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said, "As chief, I am obligated to (ensure) the public safety of our residents. I will not abandon that."
Officers Buckle Under Lack of Support
As the year went on, the city saw a rise in officers taking extended medical leaves due to PTSD. It also saw many officers resign their posts.
Growing unrest and the burning of a police precinct added to the already difficult conditions of the job.
According to The Daily Mail, the city has only 638 officers to serve its residents. They lost almost 200 officers.
However, crime stats continue to rise.
Hiring to Fill The Gaps
With fewer officers available, crime stats have doubled. The cities number are reaching record levels.
As a result of rising crime, Minneapolis Police Department is pushing to hire more officers. Instead of cutting funds, the city is now pumping an additional $6.4 million into its police force.
By the end of the year, they will have 674 officers at their disposal. According to Fox News, 28 more will be moving through the hiring process.
Here for The People
Under normal conditions, Law Enforcement officers have a tough job. However, the lack of funding, less staff, and a decrease in public support can be crippling.
Despite these hurdles, American Law Enforcement officers continue to serve their citizens to the best of their ability. Protecting people from harm is a priority, even if they are doing it with one arm tied behind their backs.
If I were one of those policemen who was fired.....I would not want to work for those cities!
Defund the police. How stupid can people get. I guess they can be really stupid. There is no job that has perfect people. There are always a few bad apples in the bucket. Live with it untill Jesus returns.
How srupid can they get? Ya gotta stop asking that. They think its a challenge!
What do you think is going to happen now? MORE crime, by thugs. IDIOTS!!!!!!!
We would have better luck defending city halls. That is where this madness comes from
Ha! I see having fewer Officer's has been working well with all the added Crimes! Who are these stupid people thinking that would ever work??? I KNEW IT WAS A DISASTER IN THE MAKING!!!! Most 10 yr olds could figure that one out! Either Vote in some people who have working BRAINS to figure that out and to make needed changes, or prepare for it to get much WORSE! If you don't want to do that, then you deserve to be Robbed, Murdered, Raped, or one of the many other Crimes BAD people are hellbent on commiting without fear of being caught and facing REAL penalties!!!!!!! Sheeesh!
If it was me I would be job searching and moving, hopefully out of the state.
They got what they asked for so I do not feel sorry for them .
P.S. I tried to get rid of caps and couldn't for some reason. LOL
City Council is loaded with idiots.
LMBO!!!!
I wear a mask that support police and several off duty police have thanked me when out shopping.
Anyone who becomes a cop in one of the demoncRAT cities who want to defund the police is not as smart as they should be. I would never work here, chicago, atlanta or 90% of the cities in cal. All officers should leave and go to a state the respects and Appreciate the police other wise you only have your self to blame when the fire or arrest you.