Transformational Public Safety: Reducing the Roles, Resources, and Power of Police
![Protestor holds sign that reads "No More Names" in regards to black people who have been murdered by police](https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2021/05/test-protest-full-bleed.jpg)
Transformational Public Safety: Reducing the Roles, Resources, and Power of Police
It has been one year since George Floyd’s life was cut short by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. George Floyd was a loving son, father, brother, and member of his community, and his murder sparked the .
Following the lead of Black-led organizations on the ground, last summer the ACLU embraced a new North Star for our policing advocacy: divestment that reduces the role, resources, and power of police and reinvests in the communities harmed by police. The ACLU determined this was the best and only way to bring racist and violent policing to an end, to empower communities of color to heal, to repair the harms caused by policing, and to build safe and thriving communities. For over 100 years, we have seen the disappointing results of repeated efforts to address police brutality merely by changing internal policies and training, and investing even more money in police departments. Incremental, piecemeal reforms to policing have not brought the change our communities need. To significantly reduce police violence, we must take bold steps that lead to transformational change. The ACLU is following the lead of Black-led grassroots organizations in calling for divestment from police and reinvestment in communities of color.
Last updated on June 8, 2021
Movement to End Police Violence, One Year Later
![Protestors holding up a portrait of George Floyd](https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2021/05/George-Floyd-full-bleed.jpg)
One year ago today, George Floyd was brutally murdered by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin sparking the largest protests in American history. What has changed in the year since Floyd’s murder and that uprising?
Our Progress
Featured Stories
![A makeshift memorial for Daunte Wright in front of Brooklyn Center](https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2021/05/web21-Brooklyn-Center-blog-DW-Wordpress1110x740-400x266.jpg)
Brooklyn Center Provides a Model for Reexamining Public Safety
The only way to end police violence is to reduce the roles, resources, and power of police. Brooklyn Center Minnesota just provided a model for cities across America.
Brooklyn Center Provides a Model for Reexamining Public Safety![Protesters marching in a demonstration with signs calling on officials to divest from police and invest in communities.](https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2020/06/WEB20-Divest-From-Police-Protest-Sign-WordPress-1110x740-1-400x266.jpg)
Black Communities Cannot Wait Any Longer. The Time to Divest Is Now.
For years, Black activists and organizations like the Movement for Black Lives have been calling for the reckoning we now see in the streets, and we have a responsibility as a nation to meet their call.
Black Communities Cannot Wait Any Longer. The Time to Divest Is Now.![Police force stands guard in riot gear in front of Hall of Justice in Los Angeles.](https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2020/06/Congress-Police-Reform-400x266.jpg)
Congress Can Lead the Charge on Divesting From Law Enforcement
The acknowledgment that Black Lives Matter demands bold and visionary leadership at the national level.
Congress Can Lead the Charge on Divesting From Law Enforcement![Protestors demonstrate in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota after the shooting death of Daunte Wright.](https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2021/04/WEB21-Daunte-Wright-Protest-WordPress-1110x740-1-400x266.jpg)
Daunte Wright Should Never Have Been Stopped
On At Liberty, Paige Fernandez and Somil Trivedi respond to Daunte Wright’s death.
Daunte Wright Should Never Have Been Stopped![A University of Chicago police car.](https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2020/07/University-Police-Header-Image-400x266.jpg)
Police Divestment Efforts Must Include Universities
Young people on campuses around the country are calling for an end to private university policing.
Police Divestment Efforts Must Include Universities![Protestors hold “Black Lives Matter” sign over their shoulders at a rally in Union Square before marching to Lower Manhattan.](https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2020/06/BLM-Patrisse-Cullors-Header-Image-400x266.jpg)
'Black Lives Matter' is About More than the Police
Black life must be valued at every stage and in every facet of society. We won't rest until it is.
'Black Lives Matter' is About More than the Police