Defunding Police Movement Dwindling as Crime Surges in U.S. Cities
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1 Jun 2021
One year after the defund police movement took off after the death of George Floyd while in police custody, leaders of U.S. cities are walking back plans to slash police budgets in the wake of surging crime across the country.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is planning to reinstate $92 million to build a new precinct cut from the budget last year. From January 1 through May 23, 2021 there were 531 shootings in the city, up from 295 during the same period last year.
In Baltimore, Mayor Brandon Scott, who as a city councilman led efforts to cut the police budget by $22 million, is now proposing a $27 million increase.
After enduring five different learning model transitions, principals and teachers at Grand Rapids High School (GRHS) recognized the need to address growing learning gaps in their studentsâ high school experience. Like many schools across the state, the struggles for students and staff during last yearâs distance learning during lockdown were compounded by the need to change from in-person learning, to hybrid, to full-distance and back again.
âEach learning model presented new challenges, while at the same time amplifying existing struggles for students,â said GRHS Principal Matt Dass. âWe recognized the need to respond accordingly for the benefit of our students and to preserve on-time graduations.â
Menahga School won’t seek COPS Grant
Considered about the financial commitment, the Menahga School Board declined to co-author a COPS Grant application with the city of Menahga. 7:37 pm, May 25, 2021 ×
They discussed the matter at their May 17 meeting.
Superintendent Kevin Wellen reported that Menahga Police Chief Adam Gunderson inquired about seeking funds for a school resource officer (SRO). It would be a financial commitment for the school district, Wellen said, at roughly 25 percent of the individual’s salary and benefits over four years. He estimated the annual cost to the district at $25,000 to $30,000.
SROs are a bit controversial, Wellen noted. If the district isn’t interested in an SRO, Gunderson plans to apply for a community police officer.
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