As the idea of ‚defunding police‘ gains popularity in protests in cities around the US, Durham leaders discuss what a defunding police department could look like in Durham–and what alternatives could be.
Durham County, N. C. — In cities across the country, some protesters calling for change are demanding to defund the police.
The idea of „defunding police departments“ is gaining momentum as cities and counties look for the way forward after the death of George Floyd.
As concerned citizens question what „defunding the police“ could look like locally, our NC city leaders are getting ready to vote on their budgets at the end of the fiscal year–giving them a chance to choose a direction.
First of all, leaders explain, any change would be gradual. Nothing would happen overnight.
Who would replace police?
The group Durham Beyond Policing explained that cities could form Crisis Intervention Teams. But primarily, their focus is on providing more money to tackling root causes of crime.
