Deval Patrick on defunding the police: “I’m not there yet, personally.”
In a new interview with GZERO World host Ian Bremmer, former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick discusses the current movement to cut funding for policing across America, as protests and outrage continue in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Patrick explains to Bremmer that he understands the sentiment behind the phrase "Defund the Police," but he finds it similar to calls to abolish ICE. "Someone has to do that job," he says.
Patrick cites positive examples of police officers and law enforcement leaders joining in protest and supporting Black Lives Matter, while acknowledging there is tremendous need for change and reform. "I want us to be able to rely on responsible and modern policing that emphasizes restorative justice and deescalation and community building. But I take the point that there are reasons behind the desperation people feel in lots of American communities," he told Bremmer.
The GZERO World exchange is part of an extensive conversation on race and policing in America airing nationally on public television stations beginning Friday, June 12. Check local listings, and head to gzeromedia.com for more information.