It will grow from decisions made on local, state and national levels. The future community police force in America will involve both the evolution and revolution of ideas. We looked at the research and data they referenced. We asked them what would make a more equitable, effective and safe police force in the future. They sought out police officers, county sheriffs, activists, academics and lawyers, judges and citizens, sisters of cops and the parents of children slain by police. Our reporters work for newspapers from California to Virginia and from South Dakota to Georgia. Reporters from the USA TODAY Network spent months interviewing more than 100 people to ask them what the future of police could look like.
And when professional help comes, it doesn’t come with handcuffs, a Taser and a gun. Where you punch in a 3-digit phone code if you need help, and it’s not 911. A future where you’re driving and feel safe in your vehicle no matter your skin color. A future where a police officer parks on your street not to arrest one of your neighbors but because she is one of your neighbors.
