
Why it is necessary #1
Police are a tool of social control.
Modern-day policing originated from slave patrols, colonial police forces, and efforts to quash labor movements. Police are, and always have been, used to protect private property and powerful interests over people.
Bloated police budgets divert funds from investments that actually make us safe.
Police budgets are generally the largest line item in city budgets. As a result, insufficient funding is devoted to affordable housing, public education, medical and mental health care, and violence prevention programs — investments that actually promote public health and safety!
#DefundThePoliceSTL