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OPINION Published July 11, 2023 10:00am EDT

Defund the police movement wrecks

America's third-largest city
The plunge into lawlessness can be attributed to liberal policies and inept governance

By Michael Letts | Fox News

Chicago sees 38% rise in crime under new Mayor Brandon Johnson
Pastor Corey Brooks, founder of Project H.O.O.D., calls for support for the Chicago police and explains the need for youth community resources to cut down
on crime.

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The defund the police movement continues to wreak havoc on the streets of Chicago as ,

lawlessness and crime reach unprecedented levels. The city that was once known for its
vibrant culture and thriving communities has now become a hotbed of violence and
chaos.

As a conservative and a former policeman, I am deeply concerned about the state of our
cities and the safety of our citizens. It is high time we discard the misguided notions of
"wokeness" and political correctness and return to the principles of law and order that
have served our society well for centuries.

Chicago's plunge into the depths of lawlessness can be attributed to the liberal policies
and inept governance of its politicians. They have allowed the city to go ultra-liberal on
virtually every front, from criminal justice reform to social welfare programs, without
considering the consequences. In their misguided attempt to appease the radical left, they
have abandoned the very principles that keep our society safe and secure.

A rally calls to defund the police across from the Chicago Police Department's Homan Square facility, July 24, 2020. (E.
Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

One of the most glaring examples of this disastrous approach is the defunding of the
police. The proponents of this movement argue that reallocating funds from law
enforcement to social programs will somehow magically reduce crime.

NEW CHICAGO MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON SAYS CITY ‘TRAUMATIZED BY VIOLENCE’

HAS ‘ENOUGH ROOM’ FOR MIGRANT SURGE

But the reality on the ground tells a different story. With fewer resources and diminished
support, police officers are unable to effectively carry out their duties, and criminals are
emboldened to commit more crimes.

The alarming drop in arrests in Chicago is a direct result of this misguided defunding.
Police officers, once proud and dedicated public servants, now find themselves hesitant to
intervene in dangerous situations. They are constantly second-guessing their actions,
fearing backlash and accusations of misconduct.

This hesitation is not without reason, as we have witnessed the vilification and
persecution of police officers in recent years, often based on false narratives propagated
by the media and activist groups.

Is any wonder that it is more difficult than ever to hire young police officers when,
it

instead of cops being lionized for bravery, they are demonized?

Is shocking to anyone that suicide rates and depression continue to rise within the ranks
it

of our heroes and heroines wearing the blue?

‘DEFUND THE POLICE’ ADVOCATE ILHAN OMAR'S CITY EXPERIENCES SHARP

INCREASE IN MAJORITY OF CRIMES, DATA SHOWS

Criminals roam freely on the streets of Chicago, knowing that the chances of getting
caught are minimal. "Crime pays," is often the rallying cry of the lawless. The brazenness
of their acts is unparalleled, with individuals openly carrying firearms and engaging in
violent crimes without fear of retribution.

The lack of consequences for criminal behavior sends a dangerous message to the
community: that lawlessness will prevail and that the safety and well-being of law-abiding
citizens are of little concern.

Moreover, the decline in traffic stops and investigative stops is another alarming trend that
contributes to the rising crime rates. These proactive policing tactics have proven
effective in preventing crimes and deterring criminals. By reducing these essential
practices, the city is essentially surrendering to criminal elements. It is a grave disservice
to the residents who rely on law enforcement to protect their lives and property.

In this dire situation, it is essential to restore justice to Chicago and other cities suffering
from the consequences of misguided liberal policies. We must reject the dangerous
rhetoric of defunding the police and embrace a return to law and order.

It crucial to provide police officers with the necessary resources, training and support to
is
carry out their duties effectively. We must empower them to do their jobs without fear of
retribution and ensure that they have the tools to protect themselves and the communities
they serve.

Furthermore, we need to address the root causes of crime in our society . This requires a
comprehensive approach that includes strengthening families, promoting education and
fostering economic opportunities. Instead of relying solely on social programs that
perpetuate dependency and undermine personal responsibility, we should encourage
individual initiative and provide pathways to success. A society that values hard work,
personal accountability and strong moral values is more likely to thrive and be safe.

Demonstrators protest the death of a Black man during an arrest in Rochester, New York, Sept. 6, 2020. (Reuters/Brendan
McDermid)

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The current state of Chicago is a direct consequence of the misguided policies and
misplaced priorities of its liberal leaders. The defund the police movement has proven to
be a catastrophic failure, leaving our cities vulnerable to the ravages of crime. It is time to
discard the dangerous notions of "wokeness" and political correctness and return to the
principles that have upheld justice and civility throughout history.

Restoring law and order is not a conservative or liberal issue; it is a matter of common
sense and public safety. It is time to prioritize the well-being of our communities and
provide the support our police officers need to protect and serve.

Michael Letts is founder of InVest USA , a not-for-profit organization donating chest protection to state
and local police officers, particularly in areas where police departments have been defunded.

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