A new article explains how officers are still feeling the crunch from the protests, not to mention the lack of support from leadership.
Two years after hundreds of thousands of people – including certain politicians – called for the defunding of police officers, the effects are still being felt afterwards.
And we’re not just talking with a decrease in officers walking the streets and a lack of funding, but in support for those that continue to walk the beat.
The Epoch Times recently ran an article on this subject, explaining how officers feel like they were left behind by their leadership, rather than seeing their support. “If you want me to risk my life, it’s one thing to pay me, but it’s another to respect me,” veteran police officer, law enforcement trainer, and public speaker Dave Smith explained.
Retired police officer and current spokesperson for the National Police Association Sgt. Betsy Smith broke it down further, explaining that police departments have gone through “two and a half years of demonization,” and many departments have been “short-staffed” as a result. This includes many departments, including big ones like NYPD, being short by thousands of officers.
Even with those trying to push the police to be funded again (including President Joe Biden, who was adamant on those claims after months of supporting the “defund” campaign), police departments are still struggling. Michael Letts, a law enforcement veteran with over 30 years of experience under his belt, joins us now to discuss this further, as well as his current initiative with his company, InVest USA, which provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable organizations and sponsorships.
Q&A:
- What do you think is the most frustrating aspect of “defund the police” over the past couple of years? The lack of support from higher-ups? Officers leaving before they can earn their pension? A combination of the two?
- Who do you think is the biggest catalyst when it comes to the rise of the “defund the police” movement? Protestors have obviously done their part, but, for that matter, so have certain politicians and members of the press.
- With crime running rampant in so many cities, do you think people are just now starting to realize the consequences that come from “defund the police”? Or do some still have yet to “get it”?
- What do you think is the best solution for this problem? Funding from Congress? Individual incentives for each city to hire on officers? Something else?
- Where do you see 2023 going as far as police are concerned? Will they finally see the support they deserve, or do you think the divide could possibly get worse?
- You’re the creator of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. Tell us more about that, and why support for fellow officers is so important right now.
- We understand that InVest USA is also actively involved with Twitter. Where can interested parties learn more?
Those interested in what I do on Twitter can do so on the official Invest USA account.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com or 919-437-0001.
