By Hannah Lennon
Despite saving countless lives, police are finding themselves constantly under fire for their profession of choice.
Today, there is no surprise in walking the streets of Boston and finding graffiti reading “ACAB [All Cops are Bastards]” or “F*ck Pigs” in response to the endless police brutality across the country, primarily the police violence against Black lives and peaceful Black Lives Matter protests.
But it was not always that way.
After 9/11 and the installment of the Patriot Act, there has been an increased presence of police throughout the nation.
The USA Patriot Act was signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 26, 2001 as a direct response to the events of September 11, 2001. The act is a backronym that stands for Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism.
The Patriot Act serves to protect the nation with increased freedoms for investigators to use law enforcement tools which were previously only available for organized crime and drug trafficking investigations, according to the Department of Justice website.
Additionally, the act facilitated information sharing, updated laws to reflect new technology and threats, and increased penalties for those committing terror crimes.
The Patriot Act puts safety of Americans first in hopes of preventing a similar tragedy to 9/11.
Stonehill College Chief of Police David Wordell remembers the day well and commends first responders.
“I watched both police and fire unconditionally respond to the scene and enter the Towers without hesitation or fear to save lives and assist survivors at the scene to ensure the safety of others,” Wordell said.
Wordell acknowledges that his profession was forever changed by 9/11, especially in large cities such as New York.
“I enjoy visiting the city but when I do it is a different experience from my pre-9/11 visits. Police officers are everywhere, from the train and subway stations, to the streets and parks. Every visit is a reminder that there are terrorists who want to harm our country and our way of life,” Wordell said.
With an increase of police came an increase of budgets, weapons, and more. However, in response to Black Lives Matter protests this summer, many Americans are calling for police reform and decreased budgets.
In response to this, Boston has plans to cut approximately 20 percent, or $12 million, from the police budget for the 2021 fiscal year.
According to the city’s website, the money will “now be funneled into trauma and counseling services, mental health services, programs for minority and women-owned businesses, housing support, and $3 million for strategies being undertaken by the Public Health Commission in addressing racism as a public health crisis, among other efforts.”
Even with a fund decrease for the coming year, the intention of a systemically racist system cannot be fixed.
“The majority of police officers are dedicated men and women willing to put their lives at risk every day for the good of others.” Wordell said.
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