1. TLDR – Summary of Proposed Solutions
- Require statewide retraining of officers in de-escalation, communication, and psychological regulation.
- Restrict high-risk raids and no-knock entries to certified SWAT teams, supported by new grant funding.
- Offer up to $15,000 in Peace Incentives for officers with zero use-of-force incidents—deduct for each infraction.
- Ban custodial arrests during traffic stops unless there is a violent threat; prioritize citations and safe transport.
⠀
2. Purpose
Public safety should not begin with fear. This proposal transforms the everyday practice of policing to reduce harm, restore trust, and protect both officers and civilians. By changing incentives, retraining standards, and enforcement procedures, it promotes safety without sacrificing authority.
3. Background
Across the U.S., routine interactions with police—especially traffic stops—continue to escalate into violence, particularly for people of color. Meanwhile, law enforcement officers report burnout, poor training, and unclear expectations.
Despite widespread calls for reform, most efforts have focused on technology or punishment—not culture. The result:
- Over-militarized responses to low-level incidents
- Minimal incentives for peaceful behavior
- A high cost in lives, trust, and tax dollars
⠀This proposal reorients law enforcement toward conflict prevention, transparency, and peaceable service.
4. Proposed Solutions
Solution 1: De-Escalation Training as Certification Standard
- Mandatory for all sworn officers statewide
- Replaces “warrior-style” and threat-maximization models
- Designed with trauma experts, behavioral scientists, and community reps
- Required for certification and renewal every 3 years
- Substitution by in-house training only with board approval
⠀✅ Solution 2: SWAT-Only High-Risk Operations
- Limit no-knock raids and high-risk felony apprehension to certified SWAT teams
- Patrol officers must get supervisor clearance and present threat justification
- Establish a SWAT Modernization Grant to expand access and improve training
- Require public annual reporting on SWAT deployments
⠀ Solution 3: Peace Incentive Fund
- Create a state-managed fund awarding up to $15,000 annually to officers with 12+ months of field service and zero sustained force incidents
- Deduction formula:
- 1st incident: –20%
- 2nd incident: –50% cumulative
- 3rd incident: ineligible
- Officers with 3+ peaceful years receive promotion priority
- Annual department compliance reports tied to funding eligibility
⠀ Solution 4: Nonviolent Traffic Stop Reform
- Ban custodial arrests unless a violent threat or felony warrant exists
- Require officers to:
- Issue citations
- Tow vehicles if unsafe
- Provide or arrange safe rides via rideshare or department transport
- Mandatory review of violations by Civilian Oversight Board
- Launch public awareness campaign on rights and policy change
⠀
5. Evidence
De-Escalation Training
- ~Engel et al. (2020)~: ICAT-style training led to a measurable drop in use-of-force complaints.
- ~Police Foundation Report (2019)~: Emotional regulation improves public and officer safety.
⠀📃 Restricting High-Risk Raids
- ~Taylor (2022)~: SWAT teams reduce decision fatigue and improve tactical outcomes.
- ~Mummolo (2018)~: Routine militarized deployment erodes trust without improving safety.
⠀📃 Incentivizing Peace
- ~Mas (2006)~: Bonuses in New Jersey reduced misconduct, especially when tied to community relations.
- ~Owens et al. (2018)~: Financial incentives paired with training improved outcomes and morale.
⠀📃 Traffic Stop Reform
- ~Ba et al. (2021)~: Procedure changes decreased racial disparities and officer stress.
- ~Geller et al. (2016)~: Aggressive stops cause lasting psychological harm and reduce public cooperation.
⠀
6. Definitions
- Use-of-force: Any physical action beyond handcuffing, reviewed by internal or external authority.
- Custodial arrest: Detaining a person beyond issuing a citation or summons.
- Peace Officer: Any state-certified public law enforcement officer.
- SWAT: Special Weapons and Tactics teams trained for high-risk operations.
- Sustained: A complaint formally validated by investigation.
- Field duty: Active enforcement or response roles (non-administrative).
⠀
7. Clarifications
- Does this defund police? No. It reallocates funds to safer, evidence-backed practices.
- Can officers still arrest dangerous individuals during stops? Yes—violent threats and felony warrants are still grounds.
- How is “use-of-force” defined here? It refers only to sustained incidents upheld after review.
- Is this anti-police? No. It improves officer safety and long-term career viability.
- Can cities opt out? No. This is a uniform statewide law.
⠀
8. Implementation
Timeline
- Effective Date: Within 12 months of passage
- Phase 1 (0–6 months): Curriculum finalized, SWAT grants issued, reporting structures built
- Phase 2 (6–12 months): Training begins, new traffic stop protocols enforced
- Ongoing: Annual dashboard showing outcomes, bonuses, and incidents
⠀🏛 Lead Agencies
- Police Standards & Training Commission – Develop curriculum
- Department of Public Safety – Administer SWAT grants + reports
- Office of the Treasurer – Distribute Peace Incentive Fund
- State Civilian Oversight Board – Review violations and complaints
⠀
9. Why This Proposal Is Critical
Because reform without accountability is decoration. Because safety should be earned, not assumed. This measure uses structure—not slogans—to lower risk for everyone involved in public safety. It honors the profession of policing by rewarding peacekeeping, not force. And it gives the public a clear message: safety can be delivered without violence.
10. Call for Feedback
Help us strengthen this proposal before it goes to circulation:
- Should the bonus system apply to probation officers or sheriffs?
- What safeguards would make the incentive program trustworthy?