Sarah Fathallah

Additionally, the use-of-force continuum *expands* the arsenal of options that officers have at their disposal, meaning they can use force with even more impunity because they can explore even more options.

(1) Claims: The 72% number is a very catchy one (and its framing I would argue allows for the potential that PDs implement these policies then wash their hands from any further accountability or change). However, it comes from a study for which the methodology seems to be flawed.

The 72% number would *only* apply to PDs going from 0 to all 8, (which the study admits that it wouldn't be the case of most PDs who already have some of those policies so taunting this number is fallacious). Other critiques: https://twitter.com/EmmaCaterineDSA/status/1268565474348093441 …

(2) Focus: At best, these are at best superficial, cosmetic reforms. We know that many of these policies have been implemented across the country. It has not solved the systemic problem of police brutality.

None will stop the police from (1) finding loopholes or workarounds to keep brutalizing people, or (2) continuing business as usual because we know all too well that the police has never stopped doing something because it's unlawful.

At worst, they dilute demands that would actually contribute to systemic changes with regards to policing, and in my opinion, co-opt the energy and urgency of this moment. I question whether they should be the focus of our efforts right now.

We're on the cusp of an important moment in this fight and should *only* settle on what: - Reduces funding to the police - Challenges the notion that police increases safety - Reduces the tools, tactics, and technology police have at their disposal - Reduces the scale of policing

(3) Moral stance: But the most important point of all, that I want you to sit with. Even if the study was iron-clad, and everything went as perfectly as predicted: are we okay with the remaining 28% of police killings to continue?

Case in point: San Francisco PD has all 8 of those policies. It didn't stop officers from shooting someone seven times last December. Are we okay with that death? Because that person wasn't choked? Because that person was warned before they were shot? By seven different bullets?

Are we pushing for preferred ways to die? Do we think pushing for some people dying versus others not is a conscionable demand?

TL;DR #8CantWait vs. #AbolishthePolice* The former takes for granted that the problem is how policing is executed, the latter assumes the problem is policing itself. The former regulates the police, the latter reduces the police. *or defund, dismantle, disband, disarm, etc.

In practice they may not be mutually exclusive, but which demand do we want to prioritize right now, with a massive uprising on our hands? What we know so far is that incrementalism has been tried over and over with no success. Should we avoid big change just because it's scary?

This thread blew up. Obligatory note: none of these are my own ideas. They're informed by the work of critical thinkers and abolitionists that I've been following for years. I urge you to read the writings of Mariame Kaba, Ruth Wilson Gilmore, Alex Vitale, Angela Davis, etc.

Do these demand... - Reduce funding to the police? - Challenge the notion that police increases safety? - Reduce the tools, tactics, and technology police have at their disposal? - Reduce the scale of policing?

Second, in response to critiques that #AbolishThePolice is unrealistic, it provides a number of clear, feasible, immediate reforms: - Suspend the use of administrative leave for cops under investigation - Withhold pensions and not rehire cops involved in excessive force

- Require cops to be liable for misconduct settlements - Cap overtime accrual/pay for military exercises - Withdraw participation in police militarization programs - Prioritize spending on community health, education, affordable housing - Reduce the size of the police force

Taking a break from Twitter and won't be responding to mentions/DMs after receiving too many hateful messages. For Black voices critiquing #8canwait, please see: https://twitter.com/eveewing/status/1269285798601523202 … https://twitter.com/DwayneDavidPaul/status/1268898572914884610 … https://www.instagram.com/p/CBDrwcYjPB5/  https://www.instagram.com/p/CBEHGmpjum-/  And many more.