New York’s Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul declared the “defund the police” movement officially dead on Jan. 24 while touting an increase in funding for local law enforcement agencies.
The governor made the remark after touring the recently upgraded facility, which is one of 10 such centers across the state that provides local law enforcement with crime analysis, information, and investigative support.
Praising the technology at the center’s disposal, Hochul announced plans to expand the network of facilities to New York City and proposed increases in funding for the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination Initiative and its district attorneys’ offices.
“There is no greater obligation than ensuring every New Yorker can live in safety, and that has always been my number one priority,” she added.
‘Death Spiral’ of Law Enforcement
Hochul has been critical of efforts to defund the police in the past, including last July at the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference, where she pledged her support for law enforcement.But while Hochul might be confident that the defund movement has met its end, others say the damage it inflicted lives on.
Recalling the riots that broke out across the country in the wake of Floyd’s death, Reyes noted that in many cities, officers were required to stand by and watch as their cities were destroyed.
“We saw criminals walk away with no charges under the guise of freedom of speech,” he said.
Such leadership, Reyes said, as well as heightened public criticism and a flawed justice system, has been driving officers to leave the force.
“They are overstressed, under-compensated, and perceive no backing from their leaders,” he said.
“The city is bleeding blue and I think the blue line will get thinner,” retired NYPD Sgt. Joseph Giacalone told the New York Post. “At this rate, continued public safety weighs in the balance. I’d be more concerned at the resignations than the retirements. Cops are leaving for better pay, benefits, and working conditions.”
Meanwhile, psychologist and retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Grossman said that the figures were unsurprising and evidence of a “malignant” problem.
Urging communities to come together in support of their local law enforcement officers, he added: “Nobody becomes a cop for the money. They become a cop because they truly want to make the world a better place.”