So, what is causing the jump in homicides? The answer is we have pushed law enforcement to the breaking point. In addition to traditional policing roles, cops now serve as social workers, mental health experts and addiction specialists. Despite low pay, long hours and the dangers of the job, law enforcement was an in-demand profession until recently. Thanks to the “Defund the police” movement and all that it stands for, departments nation-wide are struggling to fill positions.
Budget cuts, new restrictions on crime strategies and even limitations on the ability of officers to defend themselves have all been proposed or enacted in cities such as Portland, Minneapolis and New York. Every split-second decision is scrutinized to the nth degree. It’s easy to be an arm-chair quarterback when you don’t have to make a split-second decision.
Police must be held accountable for serious mistakes in judgment. An immunity regime that absolves every sin breaks the bond between law enforcement and the communities they are sworn to protect. This makes the police officer’s job more difficult and more dangerous. But accountability must also reflect the nature of the job and the circumstances of the incident.
More broadly, progressive attacks on police have impacted three critical areas: retirement, recruiting and retention. Police departments across the country, such as those in New York, Chicago, Atlantaand Portland, are facing retirement waves. Nationwide, retirements are up by 45 percent in the last year. Even more eye-opening, resignations without retirement are up by 18 percent. How bad must things be for an officer to walk away from years of service without a pension?
Meanwhile, departments report a lack of qualified recruits who want to wear a badge for the right reasons.
To fix this mess, politicians need to reaffirm their commitment to safe streets and the people who protect us from crime. That means increasing pay and offering bonuses for those who set the right example. At the same time, we must ensure that the few who blatantly cross the line are held accountable.
Instead, we should continue to reserve long-term prison beds for those who commit violent and serious crimes. By reducing prison terms for non-violent offenders, we can free up resources for programs proven to reduce reoffending.
Elections also have an important role to play in reducing the violence in our communities. Politicians who seek office by demonizing the police are not worthy of support. Neither are candidates who think the only solution to crime is locking up more people and keeping them behind bars for decades. The electorate is smart. Voters know we need the right balance if we are to keep our neighborhoods safe.
https://thehill.com/opinion/criminal-justice/567860-police-deserve-our-help-not-our-scorn