Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the Future of Policing Institute fellows are theirs and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
The Unintended Consequences of Reimagining Policing
“Reimagining policing” is one version of police reform. In this model, first responders will not be the police to incidents involving mental illness, homelessness or substance abuse unless they are violent. Despite calls to re-think policing, police officers will continue to be called upon for non-emergency situations in the foreseeable future. Will they bring the hardened tools of a warrior when what is needed are the softened tools of a peacekeeper? Is this a unintended consequence of reimagining policing?