Sen. Scott warns demonizing police officers in police reform efforts will lead to reduction in forces

July 26, 2021 carleyshaffer1 US 0

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 21: Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) (R) speaks to reporters during a news conference with (L-R) Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) at the U.S. Captiol on July 21, 2021 in Washington, DC. Graham organized the news conference to criticize what he called the Senate Democrats' 'spending spree.' (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) (R) speaks to reporters during a news conference. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 8:30 PM PT – Sunday, July 25, 2021

GOP Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.) has cautioned lawmakers against demonizing police officers in their efforts to achieve police reform. During an interview on Sunday, Scott warned there would be a reduction in police forces if they’re demonized or if law enforcement is defunded.

“When you demonize police officers, when you defund police and you start talking about this war on police and prosecution and not on crime, you’re going to have a reduction in forces,” said Scott. “And if you tell officers that their personal liability is on the line, it is a bad decision.”

The lawmaker cited the situation in Baltimore, where the city had to request federal officers due to 400 spots being vacant on the local force following a police reform passed earlier in the year. The Republican also noted ending qualified immunity hasn’t been a topic of police reform talks, calling the idea of doing so on a federal level “bad policy.”

Reducing inflation…good for America.

Getting rid of disincentives for work…good for America.

Restoring confidence in our law enforcement….good for America. pic.twitter.com/kUKCfvVpmq

— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) July 25, 2021