Some possibilities for a change in policing

What does “Defund the Police” really mean? As a community, we need to identify specific criteria for when an armed response is required and develop alternative community resources to work with police for other situations, as firefighters and paramedics do.

We don’t expect cops to fight fires or set up an IV; it’s a different skill set.

I think cops would be happy to have domestic disputes, suicides and mental health issues, for example, put into the hands of folks specially trained for that.

• Demilitarize the police through philosophy, culture, equipment, and tactical training. By philosophy, I mean training cops that the mission in police work is not taking down the enemy, it’s protecting the public.

It calls for different reflexes and a different kind of commitment. It’s a different job than being a soldier.

• Cease the practice of giving preference to military veterans in hiring police.

A SWAT team with a mission clearly defined in writing, that does NOT include community policing of political protest events, could be an exception.

The body armor, assault rifle, and riot helmet are clearly designed to intimidate.

Using police to deter political protest is not acceptable in the United States. Police intimidation can escalate tensions in peaceful protests.

• End the harassment and intimidation of journalists.

• Raise police salaries and decrease police numbers. Hire the best, and expect professional behavior. Get rid of the Rambos and the cowboys. Hire police that DON’T fit our cultural expectations of cops from TV and movies.

Peter Gibbs, Estes Park