The Case For Defunding the Police

<p><em>This episode contains strong language.</em></p><p>Several major U.S. cities are proposing ways to defund and even dismantle their police departments. But what would that actually look like? Guest: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/john-eligon?smid=pc-thedaily" target="_blank">John Eligon</a>, a national correspondent covering race for The New York Times. For more information on today’s episode, visit <a href="http://nytimes.com/thedaily" target="_blank">nytimes.com/thedaily </a></p><p>Background reading: </p><ul><li>In protests across the country, pleas for changes in policing have<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/08/us/unrest-defund-police.html?smid=pc-thedaily" target="_blank"> ranged from reform to abolition</a>. Some proposed measures include restricting police use of military-style equipment and requiring officers to face strict discipline in cases of misconduct.</li><li>Nine members of the Minneapolis City Council — a veto-proof majority —<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/07/us/minneapolis-police-abolish.html?smid=pc-thedaily" target="_blank"> pledged to dismantle the city’s Police Department</a>, promising to create a new system of public safety.</li></ul>