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What Does it Mean to Defund The Police?

What does it mean to defund the police? How to respond with reason rather than fear

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In The Daily Article for June 9, 2020

  • The Minneapolis city council decides to defund their police department
  • Three points to better understand what defunding the police entails
  • Why it’s important to engage in the conversation from a place of reason rather than fear

(Stock photo)

Note from Dr. Jim Denison: I am grateful to my son, Ryan Denison, for writing The Daily Article this week while I am on vacation. Ryan is a graduate of Baylor University and Truett Seminary and is completing his doctoral dissertation in church history at BH Carroll Theological Institute. He serves as Senior Fellow for Theology with our ministry and writes often in my absence. I am certain you will find his insights to be both biblical and practical.

Minneapolis is back in the news after nine of the city’s twelve city council members voted to defund their police department. Calls to disband or defund the police have become a common occurrence throughout many of the protests around the country, but they have grown in intensity over the last week. But just what do people mean when they speak of defunding police departments?

It turns out, no one is really quite sure.

In Minneapolis, for example, the city council admitted that while they have some early thoughts, there is not a clear plan in place. They hope to work with representatives from the community over the coming months to develop a system of public safety that places a greater emphasis on community policing efforts and programs aimed at more specific problems. At this point, however, it’s still not clear if the city council even has the legal authority to take this step.

Regardless of the ultimate legality, though, the city’s decision has made national headlines and brought the conversation closer to reality than it has been before. As such, let’s take a closer look at the subject and, ultimately, what we can learn from it to better advance God’s kingdom in our culture.

Reform vs. replace

First, calls to defund or disband police have been around for many years, but they’ve always stayed on the periphery of the conversation because they were seen as both extreme and unnecessary. The argument was that greater accountability and better training would be enough to curb, though not eliminate, the tendencies at the heart of the problem.

Minneapolis city council member Jeremiah Ellison spoke for many, though, when he expressed the need “to dramatically rethink how we approach public safety and emergency response. It’s really past due.” For those who agree with Ellison, the police have been given enough chances at reform, and substantive change is needed.

There are many reasons to think Ellison and those who agree with him are wrong in that assumption, but it points to the basic reality that we only get so many chances to do better before people assume that what’s broken simply can’t be fixed.

Defund doesn’t always mean the same thing

The second point is that not all calls to defund the police have the same goal. While the Minneapolis example paints a fairly clear picture of one extreme, most advocates for change seem wary to go that far.

A more common proposal centers on removing some funding from police departments, as well as certain responsibilities, and reallocating both to other groups. Issues involving mental illness, homelessness, and social services are often cited as examples of jobs that currently fall to the police in many cities but could perhaps be better handled by nonprofits or other groups focused on a single task.

Advocates for these policies also frequently argue that by refining the responsibilities of the police, it could help them better focus on the issues they are best equipped to handle without adding the undue pressure of tasks that might fall outside of their true calling.

Can more police equal better police?

Lastly, a common argument among those who disagree with efforts to defund the police is that the best way to avoid the kinds of abuses and harassment at the heart of recent protests is to hire more police rather than less.

Studies have shown that not only does a larger police presence reduce crime, but it can also mitigate the need for overtime and added responsibilities among those who serve on the force. Research in 2017, moreover, demonstrated that “a single hour of overtime led to a 2.7 percent increase in the odds that the officer would be involved in a use-of-force incident the following week.”

As Matthew Yglesias concluded, “What’s helpful is more officers, not more harassment.” However, those who have been on the receiving end of such harassment counter that it’s hard to have one without the other.

Choosing reason instead of fear

Regardless of what comes from the current conversation about police reform, the manner in which people engage in the discussion is likely to have as great an impact on the outcome as the decisions that are ultimately reached. Fear, rather than reason, is often the motivating factor for people as they think about the future of law enforcement.

For some, that fear is based on negative experiences with the police. For others, the prospect of a future without cops leads to visions of unchecked violence and disorder. As a result, it’s incredibly easy to leave God out of the ensuing discussion.

As Paul taught the Philippians, fear and logic can seldom coexist. Rather, he instructed them, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:5–7).

Our culture could really use the protection of Christ Jesus for our hearts and minds at this point. Decisions will likely be made across the coming weeks and months with regards to a number of issues—the future of law enforcement among them—that will greatly impact the future of our society for years to come.

As we seek the Lord’s wisdom and discernment in knowing how to engage in those discussions, it’s vital that we follow Paul’s advice and be reasonable voices guided by the peace of God. That won’t happen, though, if we allow ourselves to be driven by fear instead.

Which will guide your response today?

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I am here to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable

I asked Officer Ryan Holets of the Albuquerque Police Department if I could post his Facebook posting. This man is one of my heroes. I am so very thankful for our Police Officers. They lay their life on the line for us all everyday. I do not understand all this talk of ‘defunding’ police departments.’ America is walking down a very dangerous road. I pray all the hate spewing froth against our Police Officers stops. America has been hijacked by an evil agenda, Satan’s plan to destroy America. Satan is having his way with so very many here in the Country I love. We are moving closer to the cliff. I spoke, wrote and preached on this years ago and still do. Times are changing quickly from one crisis to another. America has lost its Christian footing. Defunding of the police is evil talk.

I WISH YOU ALL WOULD HAVE HEARD THE SERMON GOD GAVE THIS PAST SUNDAY AT FBC IN RESERVE WHERE THE TRUTH IS STILL PREACHED! THE TRUTH IS GOD’S WORD NOT MANS! GOD’S WORD’S NOT MINE! ALL GOD! MY KEY POINT IS THAT THE CHURCH DOES NOT FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION, TOO MANY PREACHERS HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH THEMSELVES AND A ‘HOLLYWOOD’ PERFORMANCE!

WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU HAVE SEEN THE TEN COMMANDMENTS POSTED IN A CHURCH???? WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU HAVE HEARD A SERMON ON THE TEN COMMANDMENTS? THE GREAT COMMISSION? THEY BOTH ARE NOT SUGGESTIONS! THEY ARE COMMANDS FROM OUR LORD!

PREACHERS: YOU CAN SPEAK STRONGLY FOR OUR LORD IN LOVE, IT IS CALLED TOUGH LOVE!

THE AMERICAN CHURCH HAS FALLEN IN LOVE WAY TOO MUCH WITH THE WORLD.

THE CHURCH IS RESPONSIBLE IN MANY WAYS FOR THE FAILURES IN OUR COUNTRY! THE CHURCH IS ALL OF US! THE BODY OF CHRIST! I WONDER WHAT GOD WILL SAY TO US WHEN WE GO TO HEAVEN?

TOO MUCH ‘HOLLYWOOD’ NOT ENOUGH SALT AND LIGHT! NOT ENOUGH GOD!

I FOR ONE, AM NOT RUNNING A POPULAR CONTEST! POSTS LIKE THIS MAKE ME VERY UNPOPULAR WITH THE WORLD WE LIVE IN AND THAT IS AWESOME!

Proverbs 6:12-16

A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord; therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing. There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him:

Proverbs 28:1-28

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. When a land transgresses, it has many rulers, but with a man of understanding and knowledge, its stability will long continue. A poor man who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food. Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them. Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely. …

Ecclesiastes 12:14

For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

AMERICA BE CAREFUL YOU WILL LOSE MANY GOOD OFFICERS IF YOU KEEP THIS HATE GOING!

Ryan Holets

***My decision on whether or not I should quit the police and find another line of work***

My heart has felt extra heavy and sick the past few weeks. I have wrestled with whether this job is worth all the pain it exacts. Lately, the news explains how police are too racist and violent, people post how tear gas and rubber bullets (they are foam, by the way) are excessive force, and the whole world is having a field day beating police into a mold that many of us simply don’t fit. Police departments are so local, unique, and diverse. Sometimes departments are as different as day and night within the same county. People are somehow refusing to judge each local department by the content of their character and choosing rather to judge all police by the color of our shared occupation.

The reasonable human reaction would be to tell you all that before becoming an officer, I left a career that would’ve made a lot more money and allowed me to see my family every night. I don’t have to do this job. I have been shot at countless times, fought hand to hand to preserve my life, I have had adrenaline flood my body as I wondered if I would live through the next few moments. I’ve comforted many as they’ve gasped their last breaths through bullet riddled lungs. I’ve breathed fruitless CPR into the dead bodies of little children while their frantic parents wailed behind me. I’ve had to guard with complete professionalism monsters who tortured innocent babies with terrible acts (so vile I cannot repeat them here) and whose only concern was when they would get to eat next.

My instincts tell me to say, “you’re on your own.” Have fun dealing with the armed robbers, the child rapists, the murderers, the burglars, the car thieves, the mass shooters, the violent domestic partners, the vandals, the arsonists, the gangsters, the kidnappers, the shoplifters, the neighbor disputes, and the stabbings, shootings, and mayhem that erupt on the streets every day. But I can’t say that. We who are the police (and I refer to the 99%) are a different breed. We cannot turn our backs on our community when it needs us so badly.

So, while everyone calls for the abolition of police; I’m here to assure you that no matter how you judge us, flog us in the media, batter us with your words, and say ignorant things about use of force and policy….you are not on your own. I will put on my badge and serve this community until I die, retire, or they disband the police as we know it. This job has injured me, taken pieces of my soul, wrenched my heart and mind; and yet, in a heartbeat, I would do it again.

This post is from Feb. 2018:

This morning I asked Albuquerque Police Officer Ryan Holets if I could pass along this letter to you all. This letter PREACHES! The life of Officer Holets and his wife PREACHES! I pray that the life we all live PREACHES JESUS! AMEN!

 

To Whom It may Concern,

On September 23, 2017 while on duty as an Albuquerque Police Officer, I encountered a pregnant mother name Crystal. She was shooting up heroin and was homeless. As I spoke with her, I was deeply moved by Crystal who outlined the struggle of her addiction and her desire for her unborn child to have a future. In her mind, that future involved an adoptive family who would love her and care for her. Crystal had decided that she was not prepared to go through rehab but was unwilling that her child be exposed to the consequences of her personal decision. Crystal could not bring herself to have an abortion because of her love for her unborn baby.

My Wife and I offered to adopt Crystal’s child; our precious daughter, who we named Hope. I am so grateful that Crystal chose life for our daughter. Because of her brave decision, Hope has a bright future and a wonderful life to live. Instead of being a nameless statistic of an ended pregnancy, her beautiful face brings joy each day to those around her. Hope is living proof that adoption saves lives. Scores of adoptive parents fill waiting lists, ready to share their love and homes with children in need. Our hope is that mothers, like Crystal, have increased access to services that help them cope with their addiction and have healthy pregnancies; that when a mother decides to give her child the gift of life through adoption, she has more choices and opportunities to connect with families that will love their children; and that mothers who fear judgements from society that they “gave their babies away” or “did not love their child” would instead be recognized for their courage and love which provides their children with the gift of life and hope.

 

Respectfully,                                                                                                                                                                            Ryan Holets

What Does it Mean to Defund The Police?

From Feb 6th of this year………….

FGGAM NEWS just received this news release, thank you Elisa Martinez!

PRESS RELEASE
February 6, 2018
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Elisa Martinezelisa@nmallianceforlife.org
“Angels on Earth Day” Celebrates APD Officer Ryan Holets Highlights Adoption and Pro-Life Stories
 
Legislators Pass Memorial Honoring Value of Life
SANTA FE: This afternoon, the New Mexico State House passed House Memorial 57, “Angel’s on Earth Day” honoring Albuquerque Police Department Officer Ryan Holets, sponsored by representatives Rebecca Dow (R – Grant, Hidalgo, Sierra) and Tim Lewis (R – Bernalillo) unanimously.  Officer Holets, along with a handful of Albuquerque Police Department Officers and representatives from pro-life organizations across the state were present on the House Floor today, in order to bring awareness to alternatives to abortion, adoption and addiction for women facing unplanned or difficult pregnancies.

“People have asked why I went out of my way to help Tom and Crystal, Hope’s parents. They have value,” said Officer Ryan Holets in a press conference this morning. “I was affected by Crystal and her love for Hope before she was born. One of the most powerful statements Crystal made to me was that she believes she has a choice, but she still could not bring herself to end the life of her baby because she loved her and that is the reason she continued with her pregnancy.”In New Mexico, abortion is legal throughout all 9 months of pregnancy and often mothers like Crystal, who was 8 months along with baby Hope, are pressured to abort their child.  Southwestern Women’s Options in Albuquerque, does abortions well past 27 weeks on a “case by case basis.”

While on the House Floor, a testimony was read on behalf of Officer Holets by Rep. Rebecca Dow, “Because of Crystal’s brave decision, Hope has a bright future and a wonderful life to live. Instead of being a nameless statistic of an ended pregnancy, her beautiful face brings joy each day to those around her. Hope is living proof that adoption saves lives.”

Other legislators from the Republican House Caucus honored “Angels on Earth” from their own communities. Representative Larry Larranaga (R- Bernalillo) spoke on behalf of his guest Kaydence West Bero, a lively 2 year old who was born with Down Syndrome.  “Kaydence had to undergo heart surgery and intestinal surgery shortly after birth,” said Larranaga. “Kaydence is one of the lucky ones, because 85% of all Down Syndrome babies are aborted, simply because they are termed disabled. What a tragedy. I stand here to speak for them.”

Rep. Bob Wooley (R-Lea) introduced Carolyn and Mike Hardwick who chose life for their daughter after OB/GYNs and healthcare professionals informed them their baby would not survive and recommended pregnancy termination. Today the daughter they chose to keep is 36 years old, holds a master’s degree and has children of her own.

“It is a shame that our society does not have more individuals like Officer Ryan Holets and others who were introduced by legislators here today,” said Rep. Greg Nibert (R- Chaves, Lincoln).Various pro-life organizations including New Mexico Alliance for Life, Carenet Pregnancy Centers, Alongside Ministries, the Zoe Project and individuals shared pro-life and adoption testimonies.

APD Officer Ryan Holets and his wife, Rebecca, adopted baby Hope from a homeless Albuquerque woman addicted to opioids. The birth mother, Crystal Champ refers to Officer Holets as her “angel on earth.” After receiving national attention for his heroic actions, Officer Holets and his family attended the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C., as guests of the First Lady last week. The Holets’ mission is to help change the country’s view of those trapped in the grips of addiction and homelessness. Watch video of the press conference here.

The New Mexico Alliance for Life is a nonpartisan organization focused on changing state and local laws by empowering women with better and informed choices when facing unplanned or difficult pregnancies and advocating for better protections for women and unborn children from an unsafe abortion industry. For more information visit www.nmallianceforlife.org

 

NM Alliance for Life, NMAFL, Albuquerque, NM 87110

House Celebrates “New Mexico’s Angels on Earth” Day in Honor of APD Officer Ryan Holets & His Family 

From The House Republican Commications Office: 

SANTA FE—Today the House of Representatives adopted House Memorial 57 proclaiming February 6, 2018, as “New Mexico’s Angels on Earth” Day in honor of Ryan and Rebecca Holets, a Rio Rancho couple who have received national attention for adopting a baby born to a woman struggling with heroin addiction. The memorial was sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Dow (R-Truth or Consequences) and Rep. Tim Lewis (R-Rio Rancho).  

 

In September 2017, after responding to an emergency call, Albuquerque Police Officer Holets encountered a couple using heroin behind a convenience store. Officer Holets confronted the couple when he noticed that woman, Crystal Champ, was eight-months pregnant. After speaking with Ms. Champ and listening to her concern for her unborn child, Officer Holets and his wife, Rebecca, agreed to adopt the baby, who they have since named Hope.  

 

Officer Holets and his wife have diverted all offers of financial assistance towards obtaining drug treatment services for Ms. Champ and her companion. They have also been tireless advocates for adoption and substance abuse awareness. Numerous representatives introduced guests who have promoted adoption, foster care, and access to behavioral treatment services.  

 

“It is an honor to proclaim today as ‘New Mexico’s Angels on Earth Day’ and bring attention to all of the people working throughout the state to protect the dignity of every human life in New Mexico.” 

 

“Ryan and Rebecca Holets represent the best of human compassion, and it’s fitting that we celebrate their work to help others in desperate need,” said Rep. Lewis.  

 

“My Wife and I offered to adopt Crystal’s child; our precious daughter, who we named Hope. I am so grateful that Crystal chose life for our daughter. Because of her brave decision, Hope has a bright future and a wonderful life to live. Instead of being a nameless statistic of an ended pregnancy, her beautiful face brings joy each day to those around her. Hope is living proof that adoption saves lives,” wrote Officer Holets in a statement read by Rep. Dow on the House floor.  

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