Today’s read is from Alfonso Morales, the city of Milwaukee’s Chief of Police. Here’s an excerpt, followed by a link to his entire column:

We need to know what defunding MPD looks like. Our Common Council has suggested a 10% cut. It’s approximately $30 million, which would roughly equate to up to 375 officers in addition to the 60 officers cut last year. That would be a 25% reduction in police officers in Milwaukee in just two years.

I understand budget cuts and I understand investing in our community. However, I do not understand how defunding improves the underlying issues of social injustices and police brutality or increases diversity in MPD.

Let me be clear: I do not take pleasure in reducing any of our services. And I do not suggest these changes lightly. But Milwaukee, you deserve an honest conversation to understand the real repercussions of defunding so I want you to know what that might look like.

Read Morales’ column here.