

The Case For Defunding the Police
Jun 9, 2020
In this discussion, John Eligon, a National correspondent for The New York Times specializing in race, delves into the urgent movement to defund and even dismantle police departments nationwide. He explores how protests following George Floyd's death sparked calls for profound systemic change. Eligon critiques historical police reforms and advocates for reallocating funds to social services that better address community needs. He shares powerful stories highlighting the trauma faced by Black communities, pushing for a reevaluation of policing practices and societal trust.
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Activists' Goal
- Activists view the defund/dismantle/abolish movements as an opportunity for larger change.
- This stems from communities of color, especially Black communities, and their negative experiences with policing.
Defund vs. Abolish
- Defunding aims to redirect police budgets to social services and mental health agencies.
- Abolishing means eliminating traditional police departments and finding alternative public safety models.
Community Policing Concerns
- John Eligon questions community policing's effectiveness, citing Trayvon Martin and Ahmaud Arbery.
- Activist Ariana Nason acknowledges the complexities and lack of immediate answers.