Redefining Law Enforcement: Beyond “Defund the Police”

My recent column about the need for a better justice system omitted a discussion of law enforcement, and I want to extend the message here. 

The slogan “Defund the Police” makes anyone with a marketing or public relations background cringe. It is no wonder that there was an enormous amount of backlash against any attempt to address a real issue starting with acceptance of that slogan.

There may have been some who wanted to see the Police dissolved as a benefit to them, but they would have to have a criminal intent. No one wants to live without robust law enforcement. There is an urgent need to reorganize police funding and increase its amount. Effective law enforcement is on life support in some jurisdictions.

Any law enforcement organization, from a security service to a Federal Department like the FBI or ATF needs to re-think a few basics. Their customer is the law-abiding citizen. Until a judgment is given or a crime is occurring in front of law enforcement, everyone is a law-abiding citizen. Even a deceased criminal has people who grieve for them.

The customer wants justice and mercy. They want to feel safe even when they must deal with law enforcement. Therefore, all law enforcement must strive to use only the best known practices as they do their job. They cannot be so overworked that their judgment fails. They need adequate equipment. Especially, their compensation must discourage any desire to become corrupt.

As I said in my column, all of this requires funding. Funding requires tax revenue. Government isn’t cheap, but the lack of government is more expensive than anyone wants to pay.