How to Rethink the Policing Function
Type
Policy Brief or Report
Year
2020
Level
City or Town, National, State
State(s)
All States
Policy Areas
Civil Rights, Democracy & Governance, Public Safety
Policing in its current form often fails to address social issues effectively, leading to stratified over-criminalization along socioeconomic lines. This report advocates for reimagining the policing function by establishing formal processes to evaluate community needs, reallocating resources toward social services, and minimizing enforcement-based responses. By involving communities in decision-making and conducting data-driven analysis, jurisdictions can create equitable and effective public safety systems that address root causes of social problems rather than perpetuating harm.