Thread by @WorthRises

Yes, we must #DefundPolice. We cannot reform a system designed to brutalize and exploit Black people. We must dismantle it. We do that by removing its financial power.

It's time we unpack how police and prisons are funded.

(Thread)

1) Rightfully the focus of most demands to #DefundPolice, legislative budgets are the largest source of police and prison funding. These budgets are proposed, negotiated, passed, and signed at the federal, state, and local level.

2) Fines and fees are a huge funding source for police and prisons that comes directly from communities. Everything from traffic tickets and court fines to jail phone calls and commissary sales--often paid by families--generate funding for police and prisons. #DefundPolice

For example: Corps like Securus (owned by @PlatinumEquity @TomGores, also owner of @DetroitPistons) charge families up to $25 for a 15-min call with a loved one in jail. The corp pockets a healthy profit and then pays sheriffs kickbacks to fund jail operations. #DefundPolice

3) Civil asset forfeiture is a controversial but common practice used by police to take property to keep or resell. It requires ONLY suspicions of criminal involvement--not an arrest, charge, or conviction. Studies show that police target Black & Brown homes. #DefundPolice

Proceeds from civil asset forfeitures are used to buy armored vehicles, helicopters, assault rifles, body armor, surveillance tech, luxury cars, and even entertainment. Police increase forfeitures to make up for perceived shortfalls when their budgets are reduced. #DefundPolice

4) Police are paid for security services by public and private institutions, including public schools and @NBA stadiums. In a similar vein, jails are paid by other law enforcement agencies, like ICE, to hold people.

Last week, @MPS_News cut ties with the police. #DefundPolice

5) Adding to recorded funding, corps donate equipment and services to police. Tech & tele corps gift police IT infrastructure in exchange for their contracts. Retailers install mass surveillance and run crime labs to protect goods. All sponsor police trade assocs. #DefundPolice

Now you know. Share with your networks. Together, we can defund each and every funding stream for police and prisons. #DefundPolice

Thanks for your leadership @Mvmnt4BlkLives