Do we still need the police? This is an important question to consider as many communities across America are currently grappling with issues of systemic racism and police brutality. While some argue that policing should remain largely unchanged, other voices have called for transformational changes in how law enforcement interacts with its citizens (Mac Donald 2020).

One potential solution proposed by those advocating for reform is the introduction of more community-oriented approaches to policing. This could involve allowing members of local neighborhoods to have greater input into formulating policies or even engaging in public safety initiatives themselves (Lurye & Ponder 2016). Such an approach has been shown to be effective at building trust between the police and community which may help reduce crime rates going forward (Weiss et al., 2019).

Proponents of a more radical restructuring of law enforcement also argue that existing systems designed around punishment only serve to perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality while undermining efforts towards greater social justice (Mauer & Gill 2018). By shifting away from traditional forms of policing we could begin reallocating resources towards initiatives such as housing, healthcare and education which can positively impact individuals’ lives on a much deeper level than simply enforcing criminal laws ever could. 

In conclusion, it is clear that discussions about reforming our current system are needed if we ever hope to achieve meaningful change. While the role that law enforcement will play within this new landscape remains uncertain, one thing is certain: if true progress is ever going be made towards creating equitable societies then all stakeholders including government officials, civil rights groups and civic organizations must come together take actionable steps now towards finding solutions before it’s too late.