Debate "Housekeeping" (04:31)

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Moderator John Donvan frames the debate on American policing, instructs the audience to vote, and introduces panelists: Former Federal Prosecutor and Georgetown Law Prof. Paul Butler, Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund President Jason Johnson, Manhattan Institute Deputy Director of Legal Policy Rafael Mangual, Former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr, and Charles Koch Institute Senior Research Fellow Vikrant Reddy.

Resolution: We Should Defund the Police (08:54)

Panelists declare whether they agree or disagree with the resolution. Butler believes we should reallocate funds. Johnson cites three reasons he disagrees with the resolution; Mangual agrees. Rahr provides a cautionary tale. Human nature means incurs violent incidents.

Police Resources and Response (11:27)

Butler defines defunding the police; those best trained to deal with the situation should be present. Mangual argues that better-funded police are good for communities; Johnson agrees. Panelists discuss correlations, diminishing returns, and prevention.

Resolution: Police Unions Do More Harm than Good (13:01)

Panelists declare whether they agree or disagree with the resolution. Police unions are collective bargaining units, social, and push for legislation. Rahr believes they often receive blame for the actions of elected officials. Reddy and Butler state that unions argue for reduced member accountability and transparency.

Police Unions and Disciplinary Measures (17:18)

The unions have an overstated emphasis on collective bargaining for disciplinary due process. Panelists discuss municipal leadership, police use of force, misconduct, and accountability. Elected officials must take stewardship responsibility.

Resolution: The Police Have Become too Militarized (11:16)

Panelists declare whether they agree or disagree with the resolution. American police work in a heavily armed country and need the ability to have and provide protection. Panelists discuss policing culture, weaponry, SWAT, and use of force.

Violent Interactions (14:37)

Violent incidents occur less often than in the past. Reddy states that viral videos damage police/community relationships. Panelists discuss police equipment, mentality, culture, and public trust.

Voting and Reflection (03:17)

Donvan compliments panelists on their conduct, instructs the audience to vote, and highlights an upcoming debate. Intelligence Squared is a philanthropy.

Credits: Unresolved: American Policing: A Debate (00:31)

Credits: Unresolved: American Policing: A Debate