Ep 3. What Does It Mean to Defund the Police?

What Does It Mean to Defund the Police? is the third episode of season 6 of CBSN Originals. In the wake of national protests against police brutality and systemic racism, this episode seeks to understand the meaning and implications of the demand to defund the police. The episode features interviews with activists, community members, law enforcement officials, and scholars to provide a wide-ranging exploration of the topic.

The episode begins by tracing the history of policing in America, from its origins in slave patrols to its current practices of over-policing and excessive use of force in communities of color. The episode explores how the demand to defund the police is not just a call to cut budgets, but a fundamental reimagining of public safety that centers on community investment and alternatives to policing.

Through interviews with activists working on the ground, the episode showcases examples of community-led initiatives that are working to create alternative forms of public safety, such as mental health and addiction services, restorative justice programs, and community patrols. The episode also features discussions with scholars and policy experts who offer insights into the practical implications of defunding the police, including the reallocation of budgets to social programs and the implementation of public safety measures that prioritize community well-being over punitive measures.

The episode also presents diverse perspectives on the issue, including interviews with law enforcement officials who are critical of the defund movement. These officials argue that police departments need more resources and training to address issues such as mental health crises and domestic violence, and that the solution to police reform lies in reforming police practices rather than defunding the police entirely.

Overall, What Does It Mean to Defund the Police? provides an in-depth exploration of one of the most pressing issues facing the country today. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the episode offers a nuanced and comprehensive view of the complexities of the demand to defund the police and the transformative potential it holds for creating a more just and equitable society.