The Anchorage Police Department union recently expressed “dismay” and surprise that local officials were so quick to react to a rash of police shootings of, mostly, people of color.
What do officers expect? Structural racism and police violence against people of color is an ongoing problem that didn’t go away after protests recognizing that Black lives matter.
Ironically, the union pointed out that structural failures, like lack of investment in social services, are behind the problem, saying “Don’t let our social fabric wear so thin that police are left to singularly deal with all of society’s ills and failures.” Yet, when efforts are made to change societal paradigms, policy makers are thwarted by the hysterical bleating of “Socialism! Socialism!”
Yes, it is time for structural change. For example, it would help to have, other than cops, social workers in Anchorage’s schools. Will politicians support such a program?
The shooting of 16-year-old Easter Leafa, and others, should prompt those in power to make deep, structural changes, including the social investments recommended by the police union.
— Soren Wuerth
Girdwood
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