Barr Slams Push to Consider ‘Defunding’ Police Departments

Attorney General William Barr is pushing back against the idea of defunding police departments amid heightened concerns about ongoing police brutality and racial injustice.

During an interview with Fox News on Monday, Barr expressed concern about the push for police reform as he noted the dangers that could be associated with demonizing police.

While Barr admitted he believes there is a “universal agreement” on the need for clear standards and systems to hold officers accountable for their actions, he also defended police officers.

Barr insists lawmakers must ensure good officers are also treated fairly as he stressed the importance of not holding entire police structures accountable for the isolated actions of select officers.

“Police chiefs, the rank and file officers understand the need for change and there has been great change,” he said. “And I think defunding the police, holding the entire police structure responsible for the actions of certain officers is wrong, and I think it’s dangerous to demonize police.”

While police brutality and racial injustice are the main concerns of the American people amid the protests, Barr is placing an emphasis on the opposite side of the spectrum as he noted the difficulties of the job.

“We put these individuals into highly charged, dangerous situations where their own life is at stake,” Barr said, adding, “And we have to make sure we treat them fairly in those circumstances.”

Barr also detailed another crisis he sees in policing.

“There’s a crisis in policing because its a very tough job,” Barr said, later adding, “We want the best, most responsible people we can get. And we have to attract them into the profession. We have to retain them. We have to train them and we have to continue to professionalize our police forces.”

See Barr’s remarks below: