Why do some cities continue to try and “cut corners” with their police budgets?

I know that the whole “defund the police” program has given some an excuse to do so, believing that it’s the best thing to do for the sake of their community. But it’s more than often backfired, resulting in soaring violent crime and residents leaving their city behind, looking for greener—and safer—pastures.

The city of Cincinnati recently put a Community Responder program in place, with citizens set to answer “non-emergency issues reported to 311 and 911 that do not require a police officer’s response.”

While that may sound innocent, it’s really a cost-cutting move so that some hard-working police officers and firefighters can be cut out. And they have decided to do something about it.

Law Enforcement Today recently revealed that Cincinnati’s Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union Local 48 have filed formal complaints against the city, on the basis that the program is violating the previous collective bargaining agreements.

Ken Kober, who serves as the President of the FOP, noted to FOX19, “It’s a danger to the public.” He also pointed out that “These folks clearly don’t have the training police officers do, but they have them going out and trying to engage in those activities.”

I’m sure the city officials will argue that these citizens can easily handle “non-emergency” situations. But I fully agree that Ken has a point here.

Cincinnati’s actions could get someone killed.

Police officers and firefighters alike go through diligent, focused training to handle many situations, whether it’s a light, remedial task or laser-focused on the duties that rely on them the most. That’s called “multi-tasking,” and they’re able to serve the public trust by completing these duties with absolute precision.

But, no, these cities feel like it’s best for their budget if they cut back on the hours of professional officers and firefighters in favor of citizens to try and do what they do. That includes making “an initial assessment of a report to 311 about traffic hazards, signal malfunctions, or possible water main breaks.”

Are you kidding me, Cincinnati? All you’re doing is trying to save a buck. But, what’s worse, you’re putting these citizens in this program in a dangerous situation.

I repeat what I said above. Police officers and firefighters are trained to handle situations like this, or, at the very least, make sure the details are reported so that the right things can be fixed. Putting these situations in the hands of citizens who don’t have a similar level of training is like putting someone in the kitchen to create a gourmet meal when they barely have the qualifications to put together a grilled cheese sandwich.

I think Union Chief Joe Elliot said it best: “Cincinnati Fire Fighters Union Local 48 fully supports innovative solutions to improve public safety, but not at the expense of the well-being of our community or the effectiveness of our emergency response team.”

Exactly. I’m not saying citizens can’t do their part. They obviously can. But they shouldn’t be doing the part of these professionals who know exactly how to resolve situations like busted water mains and traffic hazards.

Police and firefighters are trained to make sure these situations are handled as correctly and safely as possible. And that’s worth all the money in the world, despite what these Cincinnati officials may think.

There is some light at the end of the tunnel on this. The Ohio State Employment Relations Board has responded to the FOP’s complaint and is working on mediation proceedings between the city and the union. Now, whether that will bring a quick resolution or something that will require more time has yet to be seen, depending on the actions of the officials. But it’s something.

Bottom line: civilians should not be performing the duties of trained professionals. It’s great if they can lend a hand or even provide a vote of thanks for a job well done. Always appreciated. But the city should never put them in the position of replacing professionals in these hazardous jobs. Let our police officers and firefighters do their job.

Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.

You can also purchase Michael’s latest book, Truth, Lies and Control: Finding Hope in an Upside-Down World, here on Amazon.