Definitely going to be stealing this line when explaining police abolition to others… In part this issue likely stems from language choice. ‘Abolishment’, as you explain, is seen as the radical and sudden ending of a particular system, and a system which many do not see as an issue. So, for them, this political movement is seen as advocating for the complete and sudden removal of the State’s safeguard for law and order. At first glance you can see why this might not sound particularly appealing, unless you consider that this same safeguard has caused millions to live extremely unsafely for centuries. Further research would then also suggest that increased funding in other projects (which, again, is implicit if you understand the meaning of ‘abolishment’ in this sense, but is not referenced in the term itself) would have a positive effect on many other areas of life, like housing, mental health supports, and improving basic human dignity.

Love the article, very well done Andrea!