Trump’s War on Police Reform Threatens Our Communities, Public Safety

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Trump administration’s decision to end federal investigations and dismiss consent decrees intended to reform police departments in cities such as Minneapolis, Louisville, and Memphis. These actions dismantle proven tools for building public trust in law enforcement—trust that is essential to reducing crime and creating safer communities (NPR, May 2025; The New York Times, May 2025). Public trust directly impacts whether crimes get solved. Research consistently shows that when communities trust their local police, cooperation increases, and crime clearance rates improve (Fair and Just Prosecution, 2023). A 2022 study published in Nature Communications confirmed that police departments with higher community trust solve violent crimes at significantly higher rates. Austin, Texas provides a real-world example: in 2023, the Austin Police Department achieved a 100% homicide clearance rate. This success is credited to their well-supported homicide division and sustained investment in internal affairs and oversight (Fox 7 Austin, May 2025). Consent decrees have been one of the DOJ’s most effective tools for reforming troubled departments. In cities like Seattle, New Orleans, and Los Angeles, these agreements have led to measurable improvements in police conduct, transparency, and community relations (DOJ Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, 2020). The International Association of Chiefs of Police, representing law enforcement leaders across the country, actively encourages accountability and trust-building through its Trust Building Campaign, underscoring that most officers want clear standards and community support (IACP, 2024). It is historically undeniable that racism, homophobia, and abuse of power have undermined law enforcement’s legitimacy in marginalized communities. From Stonewall to Selma to George Floyd, the consequences of unchecked police violence are not abstract—they are deadly. Yet what history also proves is that progress is possible when we enforce standards and hold departments accountable (NAACP Legal Defense Fund, 2024). President Trump’s decision to unilaterally end these reforms is a clear case of executive overreach. It bypasses congressional intent and weakens one of the federal government’s core responsibilities—ensuring civil rights and constitutional protections. Rolling back oversight not only weakens police effectiveness but also sends a dangerous message: that civil rights violations will not be scrutinized. It undermines the DOJ’s credibility and discourages local reform. I urge you to demand the reinstatement of these investigations and defend the federal government’s responsibility to ensure justice and equity in policing. Our communities—and our Constitution—depend on it.