Police reform - police have a warrior culture, and think of their shifts as going into battle. I think this article is saying the same holds true in reverse. Anger simmering for generations exploded due to images of Floyd’s death, and other spectacularly publicized police shootings of black folks. “Defund” was the greatest example of that - it’s not rational. It’s anger, and lashing out at a perceived enemy. Not the old “community helper” shtick I learned about cops in first grade.

There’s no way that can work. Of course cops will flee the worst environments. So, I do think that’s the challenge. I think a lot has been written about police depts adopting a guardian vs a warrior ethos, ever since the Ferguson riots almost 10 yrs ago. Last couple of years have highlighted how important community attitudes are as well. As understandable as it may be in some cases that they view cops as enemies, no good comes from that attitude. Things just get worse. Moral inside and outside police depts plummets.

There’s not much DC can do about it imo. Community leaders need to engage with local police, and figure out how to see themselves as being on the same side. I don’t think we can expect much improvement until that happens on a widespread basis.
[Post edited by hoolstoptheheels at 06/07/2023 08:08AM]