Everybody deserves to be and feel safe. 

For too long, we’ve relied solely on policing while at the same time underinvesting in public housing, infrastructure, schools, and healthcare – which has caused decades of harm in Black and Brown communities. Together, we can change this. 

Real safety is when people have a place to live, a dignified job that provides economic security and access to opportunities, and the resources they need to care for themselves and their loved ones. We can create real safety by fully funding our communities and addressing the root causes of instability and violence. For decades, communities have been modeling and investing in ways that address root causes of harm and violence without law enforcement. Now, it’s time for local governments to invest in and help grow these community-led strategies to scale so their impact can be felt widely. 

At the same time, local governments have a responsibility and the authority to undo the harmful, discriminatory impact of policing and the criminal legal system. The criminalization of marginalized communities is a cornerstone of our nation’s justice system, and local governments must utilize their authority and oversight to reverse this shameful legacy. 

Reform/Transform: A Policing Policy Toolkit is a framework and policy roadmap supporting local elected officials in exploring and implementing safety solutions centered on community needs and priorities. The toolkit provides a simple, user-friendly framework for localities to evaluate policies across a dozen metrics ranging from oversight and change to department policies to limiting ICE collaboration. Much of the toolkit is dedicated to measures focused on harm reduction and restraining abusive and discriminatory policing. Yet this toolkit is also geared to aid officials in envisioning and implementing a proactive vision of community safety. New resources and policy metrics are continually being added to this effect.