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Rep. Berman: Movement to defund police is wrong
RELEASE|June 18, 2020

State Rep. Ryan Berman, of Commerce Township, on Wednesday introduced a House Resolution opposing a recent movement – both in Michigan and across the country – to defund police efforts.

“Law enforcement is a necessary function of government,” Berman said when addressing the resolution on the House floor. “Our local officers play a crucial role ensuring public safety, protecting the well-being of our families and preventing crime and civil disorder.

“Lumping all police officers in together for the bad actions of a few is irresponsible. I believe reforms are needed to build trust and improve relationships between law enforcement officers and residents. But the push to end working relationships with departments that have served our communities for decades – and cutting jobs in the process – speaks to today’s polarization and not to practicality.”

The movements have gained steam in the wake of well-publicized instances nationally of officers using lethal force. Berman, who worked as a reserve deputy with the Oakland County Sherriff’s Office prior to becoming a legislator, said that taking away resources from police departments will make communities less safe. For instance, less funding would be available to hire well-trained officers in good standing as communities and states compete with one another in the hiring process.

“Police are barely getting by with the funding they have now,” Berman said. “They would struggle mightily with less. That puts our communities and neighborhoods at risk and makes the jobs harder for officers who are proudly and correctly serving their communities.”

HR 277 was adopted by the Michigan House. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the Michigan Townships Association, Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Association of Mayors and Michigan Association of Township Supervisors.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Ryan Berman, of Commerce Township, speaks on House Resolution 277 on Wednesday, June 17 during a Michigan House session. The resolution opposes recent calls to defund police departments and budgets, while discouraging local governments in Michigan from doing so.

 

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