how not to run a government agency

Let’s pretend there have been some changes in your local government. Your police department is now going to be completely controlled by nine average but popular citizens. From now on, NO officers are hired or fired without the approval of this new, governing body. No guns, bullets, cars, or bulletproof vests will be purchased without their okay. Even the pens and paper for the police reports need the permission of this new, controlling group. They even have the power to decide which officers will patrol which neighborhoods and in which police cars.  They can even change existing laws and write new ones for the officers to enforce.  They can fire and hire the chief of police and even tell him exactly how they want him to run every aspect of the police department.


But wait! There’s more! Before this Divine Nine decides how much money will be spent on anything and everything, the entire town must first vote on the amount of funding the police department will get. That special group of 9 might tell the town that they need $20 million for this year's budget, but they will only get it if the majority of citizens vote “yes.” If the majority votes “no,” then the 9 must make cuts. Fewer bullets? Fire a few officers? No new tires for the squad cars? Maybe, maybe not. It seems now that the safety of your town is now in the hands of the chosen 9, and everyone else in town also has a say.

Here’s an important question: what qualifications does the Divine 9 have? Are they former police officers or retired security personnel? Do they at least have a degree in criminal justice? No. There is NO requirement whatsoever.  Absolutely no experience or connection of any kind with law enforcement is necessary.

How does all this sound? Does it seem like an efficient way to run a government service? Believe it or not, this is what exists, but not with the police.

In New Jersey, this is exactly how our schools are run.

Really.