CBS Reports Season 6 Episode 3 What Does It Mean to Defund the Police?

CBS Reports season 6 episode 3 is titled "What Does It Mean to Defund the Police?" and delves into the controversial movement calling for the defunding of police departments across the United States. The episode explores what defunding the police would look like in practice, examining different perspectives on the issue from lawmakers, law enforcement officials, activists, and community members.

The episode begins with an overview of the movement, explaining that it has gained traction in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black Americans at the hands of police officers. It highlights how the movement is not just focused on taking away funding from police departments, but also reallocating that funding to other community resources, such as social workers, mental health professionals, and education programs.

Next, the episode features interviews with individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives. A community organizer explains how the movement is not just about the police but about changing the way communities are policed. A social worker describes how alternative resources can be used in situations that are not necessarily criminal in nature. In contrast, a police officer discusses the need for resources and training in order to do their job effectively and safely.

The episode touches on concerns raised by law enforcement officials and their supporters, who argue that defunding the police would lead to a rise in crime and put public safety at risk. It also explores how different cities are approaching the issue and how it is playing out in local politics.

The documentary then goes on to examine the history of policing in America, from its origins as slave patrols to its current form. It highlights how police reform has been a topic of debate for many years and how there have been several attempts to change how policing is done in the US.

The episode also takes a look at the racial disparities in policing, pointing out how Black Americans are disproportionately targeted by police. It examines the ways in which these disparities are often perpetuated by police practices like stop and frisk and racial profiling.

Lastly, the episode concludes with a discussion of potential solutions. It highlights examples of cities that have implemented alternatives to traditional policing, such as the Cajoots program in Eugene, Oregon. Cajoots pairs mental health professionals with unarmed teams of medics to respond to calls about non-criminal issues.

Overall, "What Does It Mean to Defund the Police?" provides a comprehensive exploration of the movement to defund the police. It does so by showcasing different perspectives, providing historical context, and examining potential solutions.