By Kyle Dante

In light of financial matters, the police force remains a sensitive subject. Concerning movements such as Black Lives Matter, it is a discussion of uncertainty.

In 2001, Somerville’s Sam Alterman led an investigation. The investigation is about the budgetary decisions made by the Somerville City Council. Alterman called for a deemphasis on the police, citing public health and safety as primary reasons. Reevaluated in 2004 by then-Mayor Joe Curtatone, it formed the Police Advisory Group in 2005. Following that, more police officers have joined the ranks.

However, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, the police budget diminished. There exists civil unrest on what defunding impacts. Furthermore, it makes clarifying the police budget vastly important. Otherwise, there will continue to be anxiety and frustration.

The City Council revisited it on March 22nd as one of the aspects in the financial meeting for a two-to-four month reexamination. In a recent move, police officers are receiving more job opportunities. Last month, on February 2nd, police officers covered forty-one positions for crossing guard posts. The positions varied, including funeral crossings.

According to Director Denise Molina Capers, the thorough investigation has a deep understanding of race and injustice. It is a public safety concern of what data is collected and what is not. “It is something we can inform that is sustainable for our community, their needs, and their wants,” Capers clarifies.

It is imperative to acknowledge the safety and justice situations. Councilor Beatriz Gomez Mouakad mentions two recent shootings. She asked Capers about the previous process of diagnosing a potential victim, or criminal, in previous studies involved with the shooting.

Capers explains the dangers of misconception in assessing the matter. “Some community members may be worried about something (ex: theft, safety, etc.). I emphasize the collaborative nature of receiving questions, feedback, and information. We are making sure the work is sustainable, understandable, and thorough for the safety of Somerville,” Capers elaborates.

“When we create whatever we create around public safety, it is well-informed. There is trust around the process,” Capers explained the data collection.

Councilor Charlotte Kelly, throughout Capers’ time speaking, clarified multiple aspects. On the subject of misconception, Kelly questions the change of perception. Kelly says concerning disputes on a potential improvement.

“I am not looking at the Tisch (College) poll, but I agree it is a misconception…,” Capers states.

Lastly, regarding position changes, Kelly asks why there was a budget increase in prioritizing staffing. Patrol officer departments received a budget increase, not organization matters.

“If we’re reimagining public safety, we have to think how it will change the need for resources… knowing where, what, how, and why it will increase will create multidisciplinary on the additional resources,” according to Capers.

Based on the responses, there is a good chance the ongoing study will help. However, Mouakad mentions more work to do. There is a usage of public opinion and WhatsApp for communication. But Mouakad mentions red flags on how minorities do not get represented in the process. “If the study’s poll is solely English, it is a red flag,” Mouakad expresses.

As noted, the topic of police defunding is a sensitive subject. It requires a large basis to cover. Not only for data collection but to represent as many demographics as possible. The study continues, with further information coming at the end of the study. For the time being, stay diligent and answer truthfully.