The City of Austin's reallocation of police funding resulting from the anti-police/Black Lives Matter demands has brought continued retirements and resignations within the Austin Police Department. Citizens in San Antonio should notice because they may soon face the same problem if the leftist radical "Fix SAPD" petition is successful.
The Austin PD has lost more than 40 officers through resignation, while another 100 have retired since liberal/leftist Austin City Council "reallocated" police funds (defunded) away from the crime-fighting units. The "defund the police" movement has created a political and social atmosphere of disrespect and hatred toward the police in many cities, including Austin, making it difficult for officers to work.
This toxic work environment has caused many experienced officers to retire early, and younger officers to quit and pursue other careers, and discouraged good and competent people from joining the police departments. Many police departments across the country are suffering staff shortages, and they have had to lower their employment standards to recruit and hire people. This hurts the service to the taxpayers.
"Fix SAPD" claims its goal is to hold police officers accountable for bad conduct by circulating a petition against SA Police Officers' Association. However, what the liberal/leftist radicals seek is revenge against police officers and undermining the local justice system.
If "Fix SAPD" is serious about addressing the police-community issues, they should "fix" the violence and antisocial behavior and culture that plagues their communities.
Also, "Fix SAPD," like other Black Lives Matter radical groups, opposes the SA Police Officers' Association because it is a barrier to their radical anti-law enforcement plans. Liberals and leftists have historically supported employee organizations, but the socialist (communist) Democrats want to destroy police unions to undermine and punish police officers.
When liberal/leftist city governments dominate, police unions are the only protection police officers have from politically motivated attacks. Public servants (police and firefighters) who put their lives on the line daily should be provided the best pay and benefits of any public employees.
We must support the police and oppose the liberal/leftist anti-police movement in all communities and cities. San Antonio must back the police and protect the SAPOA-City bargain agreement. Citizens and taxpayers must oppose the liberal, leftist "Fix SAPD" agenda and petition.