The Evolution of the Defund the Police Movement in Baltimore

👉 The crack epidemic and increasing violence has led to mass incarceration and limited opportunities for the community.

🔍 Residents in Baltimore, despite experiencing corruption and misconduct within the police department, actually support having more police.

⚖️ The city's history of police misconduct, highlighted by the death of Freddie Gray, led to a consent decree and investigations by the Justice Department.

👮‍♀️ After George Floyd's death in 2020, activists in a city pushed to cut the police budget but faced opposition from a federal monitor.

💰 The city later replenished the police budget, leading to discussions about divesting and investing in the community instead of defunding the police.

✊🏿 The summer of 2020 presented an opportunity for police reform and the passing of a bill against chokeholds.

⚖️ The bill focused on no knock warrants and qualified immunity, but it failed in the Senate.

💰 Despite calls to defund the police, many cities increased their police budgets.

🌆 The cost of policing in Baltimore is significantly higher compared to other cities.

👮 Despite activist frustrations, cities are continuing to spend a significant amount of money on policing.

📢 Years of protest have not changed the perception of the role of police officers, as officers still see themselves as having an impact on their communities.

💪 Amidst calls for reforms, individuals who choose to become police officers during this time see it as an opportunity to make a positive difference.

👮‍♂️ New officers and leadership have shifted the culture of the police department towards a guardian mentality.

🤝 Community members are advocating for divesting funds from the police department and investing in crime prevention efforts.

💰 Debates exist regarding the allocation of funding between the police department and new programs addressing addiction, poverty, and mental health.

🔎 Police departments are slow to reform and change their culture, despite the need for it.

⬆️ Police killings were up in 2021, highlighting the ongoing issue of excessive use of force.

📚 Success in policing should not be solely measured by crime reduction, as it is influenced by various societal factors.

The debate between defunding the police and increasing police presence continues.

Many people still perceive the police as the entity responsible for keeping us safe.

The effectiveness of investing in alternative programs to lower crime rates is a long-term game.