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Overcast Defunding the police isn’t the answer
The actions of the four Minneapolis police officers who caused the tragic death of George Floyd on Memorial Day were barbaric and shameful, and go against everything we as a society stand for. The officers were rightfully fired and have been criminally charged. They will stand trial in the coming months.
In the wake of this disgraceful incident, anti-police demonstrations continue to spread across the United States and in Nassau County. As Americans, our First Amendment right to peacefully assemble is paramount — a right that I defended while serving for over two decades as a lieutenant colonel in the United States military. While most of these rallies have been peaceful and respectful, a handful have been marked by violence, vandalism and looting.
The common call of many protesters has been to defund the police departments of this nation. As a veteran, an attorney and a Nassau County legislator, I believe that this is the most dangerous proposal that has come forth in recent months.
Defunding police would have only negative consequences for the public. Slashing funding to police departments would reduce the number of police officers on our streets and could possibly lead to increased 911 response times. Overall, this could create a more dangerous Nassau County. No one wants a society filled with mayhem and lawlessness, nor a police force that doesn’t have the appropriate manpower to keep law-abiding citizens safe, but I worry that reducing funding for our law enforcement would bring about just that.
The recent push by a Manhattan assemblywoman to disarm peace officers throughout the state adds to this concern about increased lawlessness. The bill she proposed would eliminate the right to possess a firearm by officers who prevent cruelty to animals, parole officers, probation officers, bay constables, uniformed court officers, waterfront and airline investigators and arson investigators as well as court clerks, fire marshals and corrections officers. These peace officers are tasked with important law-enforcement duties, many of which are serious threats to the officers themselves. The bill is currently stalled, but could be revived in the future, adding another worry for those who keep the peace.
In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio has removed $1 billion from the Police Department under pressure from protesters. The city’s police commissioner has disbanded the plain-clothes anti-crime units that were instrumental in transforming New York from one of the most dangerous cities to one of the safest in the world. With an increase in homicides and violent crime in New York, it is unjustifiable to disband these critical units. They must be reinstated.
Amid calls to defund the police, I joined Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach, members of the Lynbrook Police Department, community leaders and residents to show support for the men and women who work tirelessly every day to keep our community safe. I urge residents across the county to hang a blue ribbon on your home to show that you support law enforcement and appreciate their service. Thank you to the Nassau County Police Department, the village and city police departments, and the many NYPD officers who live in Nassau County for the work you do every day.
George Floyd’s unforgivable death has rightfully placed an extremely few bad officers under a national microscope. Their actions do not represent the police as a whole. Police officers risk their lives every day to keep our families safe and protect our communities, businesses and properties. If we defund them, we will be punishing the many for the actions of a small few.
Nassau County Legislator Bill Gaylor represents the 6th District.
