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The Power Of Police Unions

Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York President Pat Lynch and representatives from other NYPD and law enforcement unions holds a news conference to address the "current anti-law enforcement environment." in New York.
Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York President Pat Lynch and representatives from other NYPD and law enforcement unions holds a news conference to address the "current anti-law enforcement environment." in New York.

In the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd, massive protests have rocked the nation. While the police officers involved have been arrested and charged, it’s been a catalyst for reexamining police departments in almost every community. Now, some activists and politicians are calling for police reform.

But powerful police unions could stop the movement. Although union membership has decreased, the high level of membership in police unions means they can spend heavily on curbing reform efforts.

In Minneapolis, council members are looking to disband the police department for a new public safety model. But those plans could be dead on arrival under police union chief Bob Kroll. He’s a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump and fierce police advocate.

Will unions stand in the way of reform? What role could they play in this movement?

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Arfie Ghedi, Michelle Harven