The NPR Politics Podcast How To Make The Public Safer? It's A Lot Harder Than Just Hiring More Police
Jun 20, 2022
Alex Vitale, a sociologist at Brooklyn College and author of "The End of Policing," argues for a rethinking of public safety that goes beyond hiring more police. He critiques the reliance on increased security measures in schools, advocating for community-based solutions and mental health resources instead. Vitale introduces innovative strategies like Cure Violence, emphasizing the need for addressing root causes of violence. His insights challenge the traditional views on policing and highlight the importance of uplifting communities to create safer spaces.
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Accidental Shootings with Armed Teachers
- After Parkland, some teachers with authorized guns had accidental shootings.
- One teacher's gun safety lesson resulted in a discharge, injuring students with bullet fragments.
Criminalizing Grief
- A 16-year-old Black girl, grieving a parent's death, was violently handled by a school police officer.
- Her behavior, stemming from grief, was misconstrued as defiance and criminalized.
School Shootings and Prevention
- School shootings are rare, with a one in 10 million chance of student death.
- Focus should shift towards early warning systems and addressing underlying issues, not more guns.
