Police Funding Draws Heated Debate At Sacramento City Council Meeting - CBS News
"Research has shown over and over again that increasing police doesn't actually make our community safe," said Mai Vang, city councilmember.
Accepting the grant also requires the city to provide matching money.
"Taking this two million dollars now is actually going to cost the city over eight million dollars in four years," Sako said.
Summary:
A heated debate occurred at a Sacramento City Council meeting where people disagreed about dedicated another $2 million to policing. Community members protested against accepting a two-million dollar federal grant for hiring 15 new police officers, arguing that the police department lacks community trust. Opponents pointed out that crime might be connected to bigger issues like drug abuse, mental health services, and youth support, rather than solely needing more police. Despite concerns about long-term costs and doubts about whether more police actually improve safety, the council voted 7-to-2 to approve the federal funding.