The Point: Will Minneapolis Replace Its Police?

A Minneapolis ballot initiative would replace one of the city's largest police departments with a new "Department of Public Safety." While not doing away with police officers entirely, the initiative would reduce the number on patrol and outsource many police duties to unarmed community safety officials.

Not everyone is on board. Minnesota Public Radio reports that, while the majority of voters are in favor of some reforms, few want fewer police officers. This is especially true for African-American voters, "75 percent [of whom] said the city should not cut the police force compared to 51 percent of white voters."

The average Minneapolis resident sees the obvious: violent crime is spiking. The number of homicides in Minneapolis doubled from 2019 to 2020, and 2021 is on track for another record-breaking year.

James Madison said that "if men were angels, no government would be necessary." Justice and respect of citizens require an accurate understanding of human nature. Without it, we either swing toward severity or fall toward foolishness.