Police brutality is a symptom of a larger problem - our over-reliance on armed law enforcement to solve community issues. Many situations involving mental health crises, homelessness, or minor disputes don't require armed police response.
PeaceOverPolice advocates for redirecting resources to community-based solutions that prevent violence before it occurs, while holding law enforcement accountable when harm does happen.
We work at multiple levels to create systemic change:
Police violence against civil rights protesters, including the use of dogs and fire hoses, brought national attention to police brutality.
The videotaped beating of Rodney King by LAPD officers shocked the nation and led to riots when the officers were acquitted.
The movement began after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin and gained momentum following other high-profile killings.
The killing of George Floyd sparked global protests against police brutality and systemic racism, becoming one of the largest movements in U.S. history.
Unarmed mental health professionals responding to crises instead of police, like the successful CAHOOTS program in Oregon that handles 20% of 911 calls.
Community members trained in conflict de-escalation who prevent violence before it happens, modeled after programs like Cure Violence that have reduced shootings by up to 70%.
Providing housing without preconditions to people experiencing homelessness, which reduces police interactions and is more cost-effective than criminalization.
Schools and communities using restorative practices instead of punitive discipline, reducing the school-to-prison pipeline and police presence in schools.
Strong civilian oversight boards, ending qualified immunity, and requiring officers to carry liability insurance to create real accountability.
Diverting police funding to social services, education, and community programs that address root causes of crime and create real safety.
Handles 20% of 911 calls with just 2% of police budget. Saves $8.5 million annually in emergency services costs.
Disbanded and rebuilt police department with community oversight. Saw 42% drop in excessive force complaints.
People killed by police in the U.S. in 2022
Source: Mapping Police Violence
Black people more likely to be killed than white people
Source: The Lancet
Of killings by police from 2013-2022 did not result in officers being charged
Source: Mapping Police Violence
Average percentage of discretionary funds
Average percentage for housing, health, education
"I can't breathe" - George Floyd's last words as a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for over 9 minutes on May 25, 2020.
His death sparked global protests against police brutality and systemic racism.
A 26-year-old EMT was shot and killed in her home by Louisville police executing a no-knock warrant on March 13, 2020.
Her case highlighted the dangers of no-knock warrants and police militarization.
Shot and killed during a traffic stop in Minnesota in 2016 after informing the officer he was legally carrying a firearm.
His girlfriend livestreamed the aftermath, bringing national attention to the case.
How trained community members in Chicago are preventing shootings before they happen through mediation and outreach.
Read more →Eugene's CAHOOTS program handles thousands of mental health calls without police, with better outcomes and lower costs.
Read more →Denver Public Schools replaced school resource officers with restorative justice programs, reducing suspensions by 50%.
Read more →Have you or your community implemented alternatives to policing? Have you been affected by police violence? Your story can help inspire change.
City Hall, 6:30pm
Public Library, 5:00pm
Meets every Tuesday
Violence interruption program
Alternative crisis response
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