Following the 2024 election, a notable shift in public opinion and legislation towards supporting law enforcement is emerging across the United States. This change comes after years of calls to defund the police and implement criminal justice reforms, often driven by progressive movements.
The 2024 election results, viewed by many as a mandate for change, reflect public frustration with issues like the economy, illegal immigration, and rising crime rates. This has led to a renewed focus on empowering law enforcement and providing them with increased resources.
This shift is evident in legislative proposals and the stance of political candidates, many of whom now openly reject defunding, decriminalization, and decarceration efforts. This marks a significant departure from the progressive reform efforts of the past decade.
Police officers stand at attention during a memorial for slain Officer Eric Talley on March 22, 2022, in Boulder, Colorado. (Chet Strange/Getty Images)
In California, the rejection of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón and the overwhelming support for Proposition 36, which strengthens penalties for certain crimes, exemplify this change. Proposition 36 partially reverses Proposition 47, which had downgraded many theft offenses from felonies to misdemeanors. The recall of District Attorney Pamela Price and Mayor Sheng Thao in Alameda County further underscores this trend.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon lost re-election. (Myung Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price was recalled in the 2024 election. (Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle)
Oakland's homeless population jumped 9% over the past two years, according to the latest official estimate. (Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times)
Other states have also witnessed this trend. Colorado voters approved Proposition 128, increasing the minimum time served for convicted criminals, and Proposition 130, boosting law enforcement funding. Arizona's Proposition 314 criminalizes illegal border crossings at the state level. Dallas, Texas, also passed propositions to increase police funding and empower citizens to sue the city for non-compliance with laws.
Aurora, which has a population of about 390,000, has become the Tren de Aragua gang's home base in Colorado, officials said. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The Tucson Sector has been overwhelmed by a surge of migrants. (USBP)
A Texas flag is on the back of a police motorcycle outside of the funeral for police Sgt. Michael Smith at Watermark Community Church, July 14, 2016, in Dallas. (Mark Mulligan/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
While the 2024 election signifies a change in voter priorities, experts caution that a single controversial incident involving law enforcement could quickly reverse this progress. The debate surrounding law enforcement and criminal justice reform remains complex and subject to rapid shifts in public opinion.
