By HOI ABC
BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington’s mayor said Thursday night he envisions a demiltarization of city police, while his counterpart in Normal said improved partnerships between local, state and federal governments are required to combat systemic racism.
Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner and Normal Mayor Chris Koos, participating in a virtual question-and-answer session with the local chapter of the NAACP, agree governments also need to attack economic inequality, according to our news partner HOI ABC.
Cities will probably always have police forces that are paramilitary organizations, and officers will be armed with guns, at least in the short-run, said Renner. However, he sees increasing emphasis on social work training to help police de-escalate conflicts.
“If we need to have a special social work department of civilian social workers within the police department…yes, yes, yes…and I look forward to working with all of you to figure out what that might look like,” said Renner.
“Putting some resources into that is a lot better than putting money into incarceration, which has been our main strategy, which has been absolutely disastrous,” Renner said.
Mayor Koos said improving the economic plight of minority residents should be a top priority because people feel they can not make enough money to raise a family. Government assistance for education, workforce training, and job placement could make a difference, said Koos.
Normal’s mayor also suggested a change in leadership is necessary in the federal government.
“Hopefully in a few months, we have partners that are indeed willing to work with us at the federal level, and not just give lip service like we’ve been hearing,” Koos said.
Renner said it’s essential for the government to invest in at-risk youth in the form of summer jobs and other programs “so they understand they are part of our community, and that we care, and that there is help and support.”
The death of George Floyd and other instances of police brutality has “awakened people in the community that we have to come together,” said Koos.
“We have to have frank conversations. We have to have a better understanding of each other in our community, and so I look forward to having this discussion going forward,” Mayor Koos also said.
