Jim McDevitt: Defunding the police is a bad idea
Several U.S. cities are under siege by violent activists who are using the tragic death of George Floyd as a vehicle for looting, burning and all out destructive criminal behavior. Not only is this counterintuitive, but it denigrates the memory of George Floyd and detracts from the basic message of the peaceful protesters. In the midst of this all out violence and criminal behavior, many of the protesters and some politicians want to defund or even eliminate the police altogether. Quite frankly, this make no sense whatsoever. Public safety is the number one duty of local, state and federal government.
In Spokane we are asking the Spokane Police Department (SPD) to play multiple roles, including social worker, psychiatrist, counselor, mentor, trauma specialist, domestic violence expert and many others, as well as the traditional functions of keeping the peace, investigating and arresting those who chose to break the law.
Some critics say they would like to see law enforcement resources invested in public outreach and crime prevention programs. Perhaps they don’t realize that many such programs already exist. Current programs conducted by SPD may be unknown to many citizens other than those directly impacted or involved. A sampling of current programs now underway or in which SPD participates include the following:
• Youth Police Initiative (YPI)
• Police Athletic League (PAL)
• Coffee with a Cop
• Community Court
• Participation with Homeless Service Providers
• Collaboration with the Downtown Spokane Partnership
• Attendance at Neighborhood Council Meetings
• Monitor Nextdoor Social Media Posts for Crime Trends
• Collaborate with Businesses on Safety Plans
• Participate in National Night Out Against Crime and Get to Know your NRO Programs
• Conduct Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)
• Work with Neighborhood Parks to reduce Drug Activity and Violence
• Work with COPS Volunteers
• Attend Neighborhood Meetings such as the Spokane Chapter of the NAACP
• Conduct Foot Patrols near Agencies asking for Assistance such as House of Charity
• Hold Crime Prevention/Situational Awareness training
• Train Businesses on Loss Prevention Strategies
• Work with the Behavioral Health Unit to Refer Individuals for Mental Health Services
• Attend Neighborhood Events such as the Garland Street Fair
• Work with Civil Enforcement on Nuisance Properties
• Collaborate with Code Enforcement to Remove Thousands of Pounds of debris from Public Spaces
The list is impressive and I seriously doubt that many, if any, police departments throughout the nation could match this list of outreach activities. In short, we have a dedicated, progressive and professional police department being led by outstanding management. Instead of taking resources away from SPD, the City leaders should be considering more funding for outreach programs such as YPI and PAL, which are now being funded in large part with funds raised by the Spokane Police Foundation from private business and various other donors.
At some point it may be possible to redirect law enforcement resources into programs which may ultimately reduce crime. It makes no sense, however, to defund basic police functions until such programs are in place and there has been an objectively measurable reduction in crime and recidivism, especially at a time when many of our communities are experiencing rioting, looting and other lawless behavior. Until such programs are in place, such as adequate mental health facilities, SPD remains the last and only safety net for all of our public safety needs.
Defund the SPD? I think not. In fact, why not increase funds for those outreach programs that can make such a difference in the lives of our youth and those whose behavior we need to change for the better.
Jim McDevitt was a U.S. Attorney from 2001-2010, and Spokane Police Department law enforcement director in 2016.