The Uvalde Police Response and its Broader Implications

On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most bothersome, I rate the police response in Uvalde, Texas during the school shooting incident positively. The starkly long 77-minute delay raises questions about the allocation of resources and the performance of law enforcement, particularly given the substantial funding they receive.

Questioning the Allocation of Police Resources

Let's start by delving into the massive funding that U.S. police departments receive. According to the data, the U.S. does not need over $150 billion annually to function effectively. In fact, President Biden has approved an additional $3 billion in funding for law enforcement, bringing the total to over $153 billion. This funding is given despite the fact that these departments do not consistently deliver the value and performance expected.

Global Perspective on Police Budgets

To put this into perspective, let's compare the U.S. police budget to other countries and regions. Puerto Rico's GDP is $116 billion, and Morocco's is $133 billion. Even smaller U.S. cities like Portland, ME; Burlington, VT; and Jackson, MS have higher per capita spending on police compared to Uvalde. In Uvalde, the police budget is 40% of the city's total budget, amounting to $4 million, serving a population of 15,200 people. This is a staggering figure, considering the resources allocated.

Comparative Analysis of Police Budgets

Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory with a GDP of $116 billion, spends approximately $1,725 per resident on policing. Morocco, with a GDP of $133 billion, spends $2,025 per resident. By contrast, Uvalde spends $2,630 per resident on policing. Portland, ME, where the budget per resident is $1,725; and Virginia Beach, VA, where the budget is $1,025, spend less per capita on policing than Uvalde. Yet, Uvalde's police department alone makes up 40% of the city's government budget.

Role of Law Enforcement in Uvalde

It's worth noting that 24 officers have died in Texas this year, as documented by the Officer Down Memorial Page. Uvalde stands out as a city where no officer has lost their life. This could suggest that the resources allocated to Uvalde may not be as productively spent as they could be.

Missed Opportunities and Ineffective Use of Funds

The 77-minute delay in the response is a clear indication of ineffort and mismanagement. On a scale from 1 to 10, this lack of performance and improper management of the narrative after the incident would rate a 10. The inefficiencies suggest that the police force in Uvalde is not utilizing the vast funds effectively.

Over-Funding Law Enforcement

To me, the over-funding of law enforcement in Uvalde seems like a form of unjust enrichment. It is crucial to allocate resources where they are most needed. While cities like Tulsa, OK, with a population 27 times larger than Uvalde, spend less per resident on policing, this indicates a misallocation of resources. These funds could be better utilized in areas that require more support, such as education and healthcare.

Conclusion

The issues in Uvalde reflect a broader concern about the efficient allocation and management of law enforcement funding. Policymakers and communities need to critically evaluate the value of these expenditures, ensuring that resources are used to protect and serve all members of society effectively and equitably. While supporting the police is vital, focusing on communities that need the most support is crucial for long-term societal benefits.