How Much Did Portland Defund Police

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Did Portland Really Defund the Police? Let's Get Down to Business (or, Rather, to the Bottom Line)

Okay, so you've heard the whispers, the rumors, the outright lies: Portland defunded the police. And now you're sitting there, mind blown, wondering if your favorite PBR-drinking, flannel-wearing hipster city is turning into a lawless wasteland. Fear not, dear reader, because we're about to dive into the murky waters of Portland's budget and separate fact from fiction.

How Much Did Portland Defund Police
How Much Did Portland Defund Police

What Does "Defund the Police" Even Mean?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's clear something up: "defund the police" doesn't mean what you think it means. It doesn't mean abolishing the police entirely and letting chaos reign supreme. It means redistributing funds from police budgets to other social services like mental health, housing, and education. The idea is that by addressing the root causes of crime, we can reduce the need for police intervention in the first place.

So, Did Portland Actually Defund the Police?

Short answer: kinda, sorta, maybe. It's complicated.

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In 2020, amid nationwide protests for racial justice, Portland City Council did vote to cut the police budget by about $15 million. This money was reallocated to other departments and community programs. However, it's important to note that this was a relatively small percentage of the overall police budget.

But wait, there's more! In the following years, the police budget actually increased. So, while there was a brief moment of "defunding," it didn't last long.

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The Great Police Budget Rollercoaster

Portland's police budget has been on a wild ride in recent years. It's gone up, it's gone down, and it's gone up again. It's like the city can't make up its mind whether it wants to hire more cops or fund social services.

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One thing's for sure: the debate over police funding isn't going away anytime soon. And that's okay! It's important to have these conversations, even if they get a little heated.

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The Bottom Line (Sort Of)

Did Portland defund the police? Technically, yes, for a brief period. Did they completely dismantle the police force? Absolutely not. Is the issue of police funding complex and multifaceted? Undoubtedly.

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So, the next time someone tells you that Portland is a lawless hellscape because they defunded the police, you can confidently say, "Actually, it's a bit more complicated than that."

How To...

  • How to understand the "defund the police" movement: It's about reallocating funds from police budgets to social services.
  • How to separate fact from fiction: Do your own research and be critical of the information you find.
  • How to participate in the conversation: Share your thoughts and opinions respectfully.
  • How to find common ground: Be open to different perspectives and look for shared goals.
  • How to make a difference: Get involved in your community and support organizations working for social justice.
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Quick References
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oregon.govhttps://www.oregon.gov
portlandoregon.govhttps://www.portlandoregon.gov/police
bizjournals.comhttps://www.bizjournals.com/portland
portlandartmuseum.orghttps://www.portlandartmuseum.org
opb.orghttps://www.opb.org

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