4 jobs police officers are asked to do that could be better suited to other professionals

Taylor BordenJun 20, 2020, 19:54 IST

Getty / Jose Maria Hernandez / EyeEm

Protesters nationwide are calling to defund the police, after George Floyd, a Black man, was killed by Minneapolis police on May 25.
On June 7, the city council in Minneapolis, Minnesota, pledged to defund its police department.
Defunding the police largely means funding other social services instead.
Police respond when there are domestic violence situations, drug overdose scenarios, and are even constantly present at about half of American public schools to keep the peace.
Some policing experts and activists are of the opinion that other professionals, like the fire department and mental health specialists, could be better suited to handle those situations without police present.
Below, experts explain how a community-based approach to policing would work and break down four response areas that generally fall under police purview that could be better served by social services.

For many, the rallying cry to "defund the police" means reallocating funds elsewhere — like to social services.

Protesters march down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol as George Floyd police brutality demonstrations and marches are held around Washington, DC, on Saturday, June 6, 2020. Bill Clark/Getty Images

Policing experts and activists provide insight on how to fix policing — and some say it's time to rebuild the model of public safety.

Police stand in smoke as they clear the area, Lafayette Park, as demonstrators gather to protest the death of George Floyd, near the White House in Washington on June 1, 2020. Associated Press

Police officers are the first responders dispatched to drug overdose calls. Experts propose that fire department EMTs could likely handle such situations without law enforcement.

A New York City Fire Department Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) wearing protective gear in Queens on March 27, 2020. Stefan Jeremiah/Reuters

Police officers are the first responders dispatched to drug overdose calls. Experts propose that fire department EMTs could likely handle such situations without law enforcement.

Police officers are often the first to respond to domestic abuse calls. Some experts say specialized organizations, like survivor support systems, could be better equipped to handle domestic violence disputes instead.

Over 2,500 candles are lighted for domestic violence victims during the traditional commemorative ceremony held to draw attention to domestic violence at North Avenue Beach, in Chicago, United States on October 2, 2017. Bilgin Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Police officers are often the first to respond to domestic abuse calls. Some experts say specialized organizations, like survivor support systems, could be better equipped to handle domestic violence disputes instead.

Police officers are often stationed at schools. Instead of upping law enforcement on campus, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) says schools could invest in more counselors.

A Portland police officer talks to students in the Portland High School hallway in November 2019. Ben McCanna/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

Police officers are often stationed at schools. Instead of upping law enforcement on campus, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) says schools could invest in more counselors.

Police officers currently respond to all mental health calls. Mental health professionals, social workers, and others with proper de-escalation training could be better suited to support such situations.

"Defund the police" painted on a street near the White House in Washington, DC, on June 7, 2020. Joshua Roberts/Reuters

Police officers currently respond to all mental health calls. Mental health professionals, social workers, and others with proper de-escalation training could be better suited to support such situations.

8 charts that show how major US cities spend taxpayer dollars on police versus social programs

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4 jobs police officers are asked to do that could be better suited to other professionals

For many, the rallying cry to "defund the police" means reallocating funds elsewhere — like to social services.

Policing experts and activists provide insight on how to fix policing — and some say it's time to rebuild the model of public safety.

Police officers are the first responders dispatched to drug overdose calls. Experts propose that fire department EMTs could likely handle such situations without law enforcement.

Police officers are often the first to respond to domestic abuse calls. Some experts say specialized organizations, like survivor support systems, could be better equipped to handle domestic violence disputes instead.

Police officers are often stationed at schools. Instead of upping law enforcement on campus, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) says schools could invest in more counselors.

Police officers currently respond to all mental health calls. Mental health professionals, social workers, and others with proper de-escalation training could be better suited to support such situations.