A list of resources discussing defunding police
The resource list below is intended to help support you in having conversations with your friends, family, and community about Defunding the Police. This list is by no means exhaustive!
What Do You Mean, Defund The Police?: Compassionate Tools For Addressing Questions and Concerns Around the Call for Police Defunding And Abolition | by SURJ Toronto (2020)
Derailing Abolitionist Conversations: Common Tactics & How to Shut That Shit Down | by Rania El Mugammar (2020)
Building A Police-Free Future: Frequently Asked Questions | by MDP150 (2020)
https://www.mpd150.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/MPD150-FAQ-one-sheet-NEW-EDIT.pdfDefund The Police: An Animated Video | by Project Nia & Blue Seat Studios (2020)
This four-minute animated video is made with young people in mind but can be a useful introduction to basic #DefundPolice concepts for all ages: https://vimeo.com/464836843Common Questions About Police and Prison Abolition and Responses | by Dean Spade, edits by Mariame Kaba (2017) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBUeVmTAU0B/
Resources on the Defund the Police Movement
DefundThePolice.org | #DefundThePolice resource website created by Black Lives Matter Toronto https://defundthepolice.org/
Defund.ca | Defund the Police resources and phone/email zap tools for contacting local representatives for various cities & regions across Canada https://defund.ca/
Webinar: Racialized Policing in Canada and the Drive to Defund the Police | panel discussion featuring Robyn Maynard & Desmond Cole. Moderated by El Jones. (November 10, 2020) https://youtu.be/x04AF3QAOkw
Webinar: Defund The Police Online Teach-in | panel discussion featuring Mayuk Manuel, Desmond Cole, and more. Moderated by Tonye Aganaba. Hosted by Defund Network 604. (December 13, 2020) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXiR3GnHaRQ
Resources on Defunding the Toronto Police by 50%
Black Lives Matter Toronto’s 2020 Public Demands (June 21, 2020) https://www.facebook.com/blacklivesmatterTO/posts/1382886101906876
New Ontario Human Rights Commission report confirms Black people disproportionately arrested, charged, subjected to use of force by Toronto police (August 10, 2020) http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/news_centre/new-ohrc-report-confirms-black-people-disproportionatelyarrested-charged-subjected-use-force
Police Services make up the single largest item in Toronto’s budget. In 2020, the Toronto Police Service’s net operating budget was approximately $1.08 billion. This is more than Toronto’s budgets for Toronto Community Housing; shelter, support and housing services; transportation; employment and social services; and the Toronto Public Library combined.