As case 13 explains, not all people who use the divisive catchphrase, “defund the police” actually want to abolish police departments. Some do. But many simply want to divert some funds to education, employment, social work and mental health resources. Why? Studies have shown that educational and employment equity better decreases crime. A better educated populace would intuitively be happier, more successful and therefore more law-abiding. And while cutting police budgets might give departments good reason to behave, it might also be a good idea to keep a few cops around.
However, case 13 doesn’t say much about reforming policing techniques and attitudes, which opens an opportunity for ethics bowlers to add something to the discussion. Many police forces take an overly militaristic approach to their work inappropriate for civilian policing, one that can unnecessarily escalate encounters and perpetuate a contentious culture.
Or so argues former police officer turned University of South Carolina law professor Seth Stoughton. Below is Stoughton’s TED talk on just that subject, followed by my own take on his argument. I’ll be discussing it with my ethics bowl team this weekend, and also sharing the TED vid from 0:15 – 2:17 and 10:00 – 12:30. Enjoy!