A City Without Police

According to the Star-Tribune, some politicians in Minneapolis have been flirting with the idea of a city without police. In a pamphlet entitled, 'Enough is Enough' these politicians and activists examine the first 150 year of the Minneapolis Police Department.

I hate to judge a book by it's cover, but this organization, called MPD150, sounds rather naive. This is from their website:

Through historical investigation, interviews and research into viable alternatives we have produced a performance review that examines the department's past – its track record since 1867 including the failure of reform efforts; its present – its current practices and impact on community life; and the future – the necessity of dismantling its overbearing political and paramilitary power and the transfer of its resources into alternative models of community safety, well-being and resilience. [Emphasis added.] 

Evidently MPD150 and its supporters intend to oppose Mayor Frey's proposal to expand the Minneapolis Police Department. At present the department is so overstretched that it almost only responds to emergency calls.

MPD150 and its supporters on the city council, would rather see the money spent on community organizers, not sworn officers. They also believe that reducing the number of police on the streets would benefit black and Latino youths.

Minneapolis has 2.15 officers per 1,000 residents [the Star-Tribune rounded up]. Milwaukee--that infamous gulag--has 3.15 officer per 1,000 residents.

The local police union would like to see a force of 1,000 officers.

Three members of the Public Safety Committee, Messrs. Cano, Cunningham, and Ellison, hope for the day when Minneapolis no longer has a need for a police force.

Up next, excepts from MPD150's no doubt ridiculous report and perhaps a bit of satire.