What is this request about?
Assemblymember Alex Lee has requested a state audit to examine California law enforcement’s effectiveness and efficiency that would include an analysis of agencies’ calls, responses, budget, and expenditures. This audit would reveal opportunities to reduce the footprint of law enforcement by shifting responsibilities and resources to community-based alternatives and services.
How does it align with yli’s values?
Created initially to catch escaped slaves, policing has always been the brutal enforcement arm of our white supremacist nation. The 2020 uprisings around police killings have heightened the visibility of some of the violently racist tactics used by this institution to enforce racial hierarchy. Many of yli’s youth, who come from low-income communities of color, are the targets of police violence.
In solidarity with communities across the nation, yli is a strong advocate for cities, counties, and states to reimagine public safety by shifting power, funding, resources, and responsibility away from overtly punitive policing programs and into life-affirming community-based and community-led supportive services. To improve community safety, California must look at all law enforcement expenditures, seek inefficiencies, and attempt to reimagine how resources are allocated with a focus on the best interests of all Californians.
What is yli doing about it?
We have just submitted a letter of endorsement for this request, and we are voicing our support on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Who else supports this request?
- Alliance for Boys & Men of Color
- PolicyLink