As we move through 2024, the troubling trend of police violence continues to escalate, and it’s on track to surpass the grim record set in 2023—the deadliest year yet for police killings in the United States. These alarming statistics demand immediate action and challenge us to consider the very foundation of policing in this country.
One of the most staggering realities is that Black people are 2.9 times more likely to be killed by police than white people. This statistic exposes the deep-seated racism ingrained in the system, where communities of color face a disproportionately higher risk of fatal encounters with law enforcement simply based on the color of their skin. These killings often occur in response to non-violent situations or, in many cases, when no crime has been committed at all.
Equally concerning is that 50% of people killed by law enforcement are disabled. This points to an alarming intersection of racism and ableism within our policing system. Those with disabilities, often in need of care and compassion, are instead met with violent force, further highlighting the urgent need for radical transformation. Despite the shocking number of lives lost, only 1% of police killings result in charges against the officers involved. This unacceptable lack of accountability perpetuates a cycle of violence and injustice, allowing these tragedies to continue unchecked.
The Denver Justice Project is committed to advocating for change. It’s clear that the current system is failing our communities, and it’s time to invest in alternatives to policing that prioritize safety, equity, and compassion. One such alternative is the Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) program in Denver, a model that sends mental health professionals and social workers to respond to non-violent incidents. By removing police from situations that don’t require force, we can create safer outcomes for everyone involved, especially historically marginalized communities who are too often the targets of violent policing.
We cannot afford to ignore the undeniable connections between racism, ableism, and police violence. The statistics are not just numbers; they represent real lives lost, families shattered, and communities living in fear. The time for change was yesterday. We must continue to push for alternatives like the STAR program and reimagine public safety in a way that values every person’s life and dignity.
Join us in advocating for a system that prioritizes care over criminalization and safety over violence. Let’s build a future where justice is truly for all.
#EndPoliceViolence #JusticeForAll #AlternativesToPolicing #DisabilityRights #BlackLivesMatter
