Defunding Burlingon police had 'unintended consequences,' lowered force's morale

An NBC News report Thursday shed light on the negative effects the city of Burlington, Vermont experienced following its decision to defund the police last year.

"In Burlington, Vermont, roll call looks a little different than it used to," correspondent Stephanie Gosk said. "Often just five officers are on shift for a city of more than 44,000 after Burlington's leaders cut the police force by nearly 30 percent. Essentially imposing a hiring freeze."

Gosk spoke with Burlington Acting Police Chief Jon Murad, who lamented the strains now facing the department and placed blame on caving to protestors' demands without "specificity or deliberation."

According to the Burlington Free Press, the city council voted in June 2020 to allow police funding to instead be used on "social services and racial justice needs," which led to a 30% reduction in the police force.