Law enforcement in this country has tainted roots. We must admit that the movement to “Defund the Police” is due to the culture of police departments and not just a few individual bad officers. This systemic issue has created an environment of mistrust and contention amongst citizens when confronted with law enforcement. The adversarial and confrontational culture of policing, i.e. protecting their fellow officer’s misconduct and use of excessive force, have only led to the perpetuation and spike of negative policing behavior.

In the current climate, I look beyond the riots, looting, and media to see a country that is frustrated, angry, and disappointed in their ability to access the American Dream. Poor policing creates a domino effect that stifles that dream: Past convictions affect future employment, voting rights are limited or stripped away, and prison sentences are inconsistent. These all translate into a decrease in opportunities available for an individual to change the circumstances of their life.

I believe police reform is long overdue and I am disheartened that it required the loss of another American life to kick start this widespread need for change in police practice and procedure.

Instead of defunding the police completely, we should plan to reallocate budgetary funds to local government and to other societal needs such as education, social services, and healthcare, etc.  While simultaneously reestablishing a diverse police force with a new culture that is focused on community policing, transparency, accountability, etc.

Consistency in accountability for officers’ actions should be the focus in discussing police reform. Like a surgeon removes a cancer, we need to excise the unfit individuals who have infected this noble and altruistic field and encourage rebuilding with others who believe in service to community, safety and respect for citizen’s rights. The police are here to protect and serve the people, not to serve and protect themselves from misconduct.