house Resolution No.277
Rep. Berman offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Recent incidents of injuries to and deaths of civilians in encounters with law enforcement officers have justifiably drawn attention to the organization and funding of police departments. Some advocates for change are going beyond calls for reforms, however, by demanding that local police departments be defunded or abolished; and
Whereas, Law enforcement is a necessary and vital function of our government at all levels. Police departments enforce the laws enacted by the Legislature to ensure public safety, protect the health and possessions of our citizens, and to prevent crime and civil disorder; and
Whereas, Michigan law enforcement officers are highly-trained and courageous individuals working in dangerous situations to protect the residents of Michigan; and
Whereas, The egregious misconduct and bias of some law enforcement officers demonstrates the need for reform, but efforts to defund or abolish local police departments gives credence to the incorrect notion that law enforcement generally is harmful to local communities, rather than a cornerstone of a safe and prosperous society; and
Whereas, Defunding or abolishing local police departments will burden remaining departments that may be called upon to provide assistance within municipalities that no longer have the resources to respond to emergency calls. Lack of policing resources will put citizens at risk, creating chaos and disorder; and
Whereas, The absence of law enforcement personnel in our cities and rural areas could affect the state's economy, discouraging businesses from locating here and out-of-state residents from visiting. An increase in crime would affect every Michigan resident's quality of life; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we discourage local units of government from defunding or abolishing their local police departments; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Townships Association, the Michigan Municipal League, the Michigan Association of Counties, the Michigan Association of Mayors, and the Michigan Association of Township Supervisors.