Final Exam Advanced Applications CJUS 4110 Essay ✓ Solved

Final Exam Advanced Applications CJUS 4110 Essay

There have been recent calls to defund the police across various parts of the United States. This movement has gained momentum amid social unrest and growing concerns over police brutality, especially in the wake of high-profile incidents involving law enforcement. This essay will explore three locations in the U.S. where police budgets have been cut or proposed to be cut, analyze both sides of the argument regarding defunding the police, and include discussions on the militarization of police, the impacts of police funding cuts, the potential long-term and short-term effects, current crime issues in these areas, as well as my personal opinion on the movement.

Background of the Defunding Movement

The calls to defund the police intensified following the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, which triggered nationwide protests and a reevaluation of policing in America. Many activists advocate for reallocating police funds to community services such as education, mental health, and housing, arguing that these services can better address the root causes of crime. On the other hand, opponents emphasize the need for funding to maintain law enforcement's ability to protect communities, fearing that cuts may lead to increased crime rates and a lack of safety.

Case Study 1: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis is a focal point for the defund movement, primarily due to the death of George Floyd. Following the incident, the Minneapolis City Council voted to cut $1.1 million from the police budget for a program focused on alternative public safety methods. Proponents of the cuts argue that allocating money to mental health resources and community intervention programs can reduce reliance on police, thereby addressing systemic issues that lead to crime. On the contrary, critics highlight that several neighborhoods experienced spikes in crime following the cuts, questioning the efficacy of reallocating funds away from the police.

Case Study 2: New York City, New York

New York City also witnessed significant budget reductions to the police budget in 2020, amounting to approximately $1 billion. Supporters of the cuts stressed the need to address systemic racism and police violence, pushing for more investment in community services. However, after the cuts, reports indicated an increase in gun violence and crime in certain boroughs, which raised alarms among residents. Law enforcement officials and some community leaders argued that the reductions hampered police effectiveness and public safety.

Case Study 3: Los Angeles, California

In Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti proposed a budget plan that included cutting $150 million from the LAPD's budget. Advocates claimed that these funds should be directed towards services tackling homelessness and mental health crises. However, police accountability advocates warned that decreased funding could impede the LAPD's ability to serve and protect, citing a possible increase in crime statistics, which would ultimately harm the communities the cuts were intended to help.

The Militarization of Police

The issue of police budget cuts is often tied to the broader discussion of police militarization. Over the past few decades, police departments have increasingly adopted military-grade equipment and tactics, particularly in response to rising crime rates and public safety concerns. Critics argue that this militarization creates a hostile relationship between law enforcement and communities, particularly minority groups, leading to increased tensions. Understanding this backdrop is vital when discussing the implications of defunding the police and the reallocation of resources.

Arguments For Defunding the Police

Several arguments advocate for defunding the police. First, proponents contend that investing in community resources, such as mental health services and education, addresses the root causes of crime more effectively than traditional policing. Furthermore, they argue that current police practices often disproportionately target marginalized communities, leading to systemic inequalities. The perception that police are militarized forces can erode trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the public, prompting calls for substantial reform or even defunding.

Arguments Against Defunding the Police

Conversely, opponents argue that robust police funding is essential for maintaining safety and order within communities. They cite concerns over rising crime rates following budget cuts, claiming that reductions impair police department effectiveness. Furthermore, critics warn that defunding police could risk public safety and leave communities vulnerable to crime. They argue that effective policing requires adequate resources, including training, equipment, and personnel, to properly address public safety needs.

Current Crime Issues in Defund Areas

Areas that have seen cuts to police funding have experienced varying crime trends. In Minneapolis, for instance, there were reports of spikes in gun violence and property crime. Similarly, New York City reported increases in certain violent crimes post-budget cuts. Each of these cities demonstrates that public safety remains a significant concern among residents, which complicates the dialogue surrounding police defunding. While activists advocate for a shift in funding, the immediate impact on crime emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to reforming policing.

My Opinion on the Movement to Defund the Police

In my view, the movement to defund the police is indicative of a necessary re-evaluation of public safety and justice systems in the United States. However, I believe that rather than outright defunding, a more pragmatic approach would involve restructuring funding to ensure that police departments can continue to operate effectively while also addressing social issues. Investing in community resources is crucial; however, it is equally important to maintain a police force that is well-trained, adequately funded, and capable of responding effectively to crime while maintaining community trust. Therefore, the aim should not solely be to cut funding but to reallocate resources in a manner that fosters safety and justice for all.

References

• Beckett, K., & Sasson, T. (2015). The politics of injustice: Crime and punishment in America. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
• Bennett, C. (2020). How to defund the police: Understanding the movement. The New York Times.
• Harvard Kennedy School. (2020). The challenges of police reform: Understanding the recent critiques of policing in America.
• Katz, C. M., & Johnson, B. D. (2021). The effects of police budgets on crime: An analysis of U.S. cities. Criminology & Public Policy.
• Moore, M. H., & Braga, A. A. (2020). Public safety and police accountability: Responses to the movement to defund the police. Cambridge University Press.
• Rosen, B. (2020). Defunding the police: A controversial future for public safety. Stanford Social Innovation Review.
• Silver, A., & Piquero, A. R. (2018). The dynamics of police funding and crime rates. Policing: An International Journal.
• Stevens, M. (2021). Defunding the police: What it means for communities and police in America. American Journal of Criminal Justice.
• Watson, A. (2020). The costs of police militarization: A critical view. Journal of Social Issues.
• Wright, A. (2021). The implications of police funding cuts on urban safety. Urban Affairs Review.