Matt’s post below makes the right point. The discussion shouldn’t begin with funding. It should begin with clear definition of roles. I don’t think anyone advocates for an elimination of the roles the police now play. Question is, would it be more efficient and effective to redefine responsibilities?

I don’t know the answer, in all honesty. But I suspect many proposals would require more overall funding, not less. Labeling the proposal “defund the police” is a bad idea, I agree, because it just pushes people into opposing camps shouting past each other.