Key Observations

• Police shootings during 2020 have increased national awareness of the consequences of forceful over-policing tactics in predominantly Black communities.
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• The defund the police messaging has led to honest national conversations and debates on federal, state, and local funding for police departments.
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• Between 20% and 45% percent of local municipality discretionary funding is allocated toward law enforcement departments.
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• Since 1977, the United States’ policing budget has nearly tripled to $115 billion, despite the decrease in crime.
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• No significant relationship has been found between increased police budgets and  crime reduction.