DOJ Cuts to Community-Policing Programs a Bad Move, Says Ex-FBI Agent

In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced significant cuts to community-policing programs — a decision that many, including former FBI officials, are calling a dangerous step backward for public safety.

James Hartford, a retired FBI agent with over 25 years of experience in field operations and community outreach, voiced deep concerns about the DOJ’s decision. "Community policing isn't just a nice idea — it’s a proven strategy that builds trust between law enforcement and the people they serve," Hartford said in an exclusive interview. "Cutting these programs weakens the very foundation of that trust."

Community policing initiatives, such as neighborhood patrols, youth outreach, and officer-community collaboration programs, have long been credited with reducing crime, strengthening relationships, and preventing violence before it escalates. According to Hartford, these programs are particularly vital at a time when tensions between communities and law enforcement remain high in many parts of the country.

"Without these initiatives, we risk creating more division, not less," he warned. "When officers are only seen in crisis situations, rather than as part of the fabric of the community, it fosters fear and resentment."

Critics of the cuts argue that the decision undermines years of progress in community relations and public safety efforts. Studies have consistently shown that cities investing in community policing see tangible benefits — from lowered crime rates to increased citizen cooperation during investigations.

Moreover, Hartford emphasized that the financial savings from these cuts might be short-lived. "In the long run, the cost of increased crime, lawsuits, and deteriorating public trust will far outweigh any budgetary gains," he said.

Many local police departments, especially those in smaller or underserved areas, rely heavily on federal funding to maintain their community-oriented programs. Without this support, they may be forced to reallocate resources away from proactive engagement and toward purely reactive enforcement — a shift that could have lasting consequences.

As national debate intensifies, Hartford hopes public pressure will push the DOJ to reconsider. "We cannot afford to lose the human connection that community policing fosters," he said. "Public safety depends on trust, and trust takes years to build — but only moments to destroy."