Activists in Washington, D.C. , are forming a "D.C. Safety Squad" to handle emergencies and criminal activities instead of the Metropolitan Police Department.

This may seem like a good idea, but the results will be grim. An untrained, unarmed civilian force will risk itself and others. Its goal is to provide an alternative to " police brutality " in the MPD. But where is the evidence for that brutality?

MPD is the ninth largest law enforcement agency in the United States and one of the country's most culturally diverse. Despite its many problems, it is a forward-thinking urban municipal agency. Moreover, Washington has tried this "Safety Squad" approach before. Consider notorious cash cows such as "violence interrupters" and "government consent decrees," which exclusively benefit preferred contractors. Neither has reduced crime or the temperature of street violence. Contractors generally worsen the problem. Their goals are purposefully vague, and their results are negligible at best.

Other schemes include having mental health advocates arrive at crises before the police. These advocates then routinely call the police, stating the subject is violently agitated. Now, the responding police bear the responsibility. Dump and run. I've seen it up close. Top line: Advocacy groups like the Safety Squad are harmful because they lack emergency management expertise. This is contrasted with law enforcement officers, who receive rigorous training to confront public safety risks. Civilian groups may also be unfamiliar with current criminal law. They may unwittingly obstruct police investigations or impede the legal system. Violence and confusion might endanger the public and police.

Still, a plethora of other questions remain. Who provides group oversight? How are members vetted?

Supposedly, the Safety Squad relies on volunteers and fundraising to operate. Is there surreptitious funding? Only a properly filed IRS Form 990 will provide clarity.

These groups also tend to disrupt police efforts to regulate traffic, safeguard an area, and evacuate people during emergencies. Finally, this squad promotes law enforcement hostility. Its spokesperson claimed police are violent by nature. It seems that the Safety Squad is unabashedly and openly biased. I fear that this will lead to a limitless amount of tips for criminals to file complaints, ending the last vestiges of productive policing in the district — just what we need with the city’s high crime rate.

David J. Terestre served as a sergeant with the Metropolitan Police Department and is a nationally published author on policing issues.