Defunding the police is already proving to be dangerous.
Cities that have withdrawn or reduced funding to their local police departments are already seeing crime surge; in a dark irony, talk of yanking law enforcement funding is happening while countless cities deal with riots and additional situations that require police presence.
Amid the left’s moves to defund the police, Republicans are actively working against this. Since urging Democrats against defunding law enforcement isn’t working, conservatives are now working to preserve police funding via different means.
Fox News confirms that Texas government officials are now actively moving to stop the city of Austin from defunding its police department.
Blocking Austin from Defunding their Police Department
Yesterday, Ken Paxton, the attorney general of Texas confirmed to Fox & Friends that the state is taking real action to keep the Austin Police Department funded.
One likely course of action is possible legislation from the Texas governor that would give the state jurisdiction over funding for the Austin Police Department. Such legislation would furthermore block the Austin mayor from yanking $150 million dollars worth of funding from the local police department.
This proposal for the state to takeover the Austin Police Department is one strategy I'm looking at.
We can't let Austin's defunding & disrespect for law enforcement to endanger the public & invite chaos like in Portland and Seattle.#BackTheBlue https://t.co/nPiRYXhx5j
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 3, 2020
In additional statements on Fox & Friends, Paxton slammed Mayor Adler’s interest in defunding the police. The Texas attorney general branded such a decision as senseless; furthermore, Paxton also explained that keeping law enforcement funded is vital for the safety of Austin.
Where Does Austin Stand on Defunding the Police?
According to the Texas attorney general, a significant majority of Austin residents are not supportive of pulling funds from their local police department.
Paxton explained that Mayor Adler’s interest in defunding the Austin police is about “appeasing left-wing radicals” rather than ensuring the safety of residents. Adler, on the other hand, is faulting President Trump for various riots and destruction.
We are currently working a suspicious death incident in South Austin.
Media: Please meet Ofc. Cadenas in the parking lot of 5001 E Ben White Blvd at 11:30pm for a media briefing. We will be streaming the interview on Periscope.
-PIO pic.twitter.com/QDG9zffTgK
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) September 5, 2020
The Austin mayor has also not publically commented on the links between defunding police and the occurrence of crime surges. Moreover, Adler has yet to demonstrate a willingness to back down and keep local law enforcement funded.
For this reason, the state of Texas may need control over the Austin Police Department in order for it to remain funded.
What do you think about the push to defund the Austin Police Department? Should the state of Texas act and pass the necessary legislation to shift control of the department away from Austin? Let us know in the comments section below!
