Sensible reform idea: ask the police to do less

One of the more intriguing police-reform ideas to emerge in the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis is remarkable for its simplicity. Many troubling incidents occur after officers respond to minor disturbances involving mentally ill people or non-criminal matters. Why not skip the cops and instead call social workers or mental-health professionals?
It’s a common-sense question asked not only by reformers, but by prominent police officials. “We’re asking cops to do