Utah Needs Stronger Policing, Not Weaker, Despite the Leftist Agenda

Utah Needs Stronger Policing, Not Weaker, Despite the Leftist Agenda

By Bobby Darvish - darvishintelligence.blogspot.com

As an Iranian-American Christian who has witnessed the fruits of both conservative and socialist ideologies firsthand, I feel it’s my duty to speak out against the disturbing trend we see in Utah and across America—where leftist groups like the "Better Utah Institute" and their war allies push for weaker policing and greater lawlessness. As a former executive director of CAIR-Columbus and president of the Muslim Forum of Utah, I have experienced the complexities of activism and the politics surrounding law enforcement, but one thing has become abundantly clear to me: stronger policing is essential for the safety and prosperity of our communities.

The Leftist Narrative of Defunding the Police

In recent years, left-wing organizations such as the "Better Utah Institute" have advocated for a more lenient approach to law enforcement. They argue that the police force should be reformed, and some even support policies that would defund the police in favor of community-based solutions that are, frankly, unrealistic and misguided. The foundation of this narrative is built on the premise that law enforcement in Utah and across the nation is inherently oppressive. This viewpoint not only ignores the overwhelming majority of police officers who serve their communities with integrity, but it also undermines public safety by neglecting the reality of rising crime rates.

Utah, in particular, has seen an increase in violent crime, property crime, and car thefts, especially in urban areas like Salt Lake City. The narrative that “defunding the police” will somehow lead to a more harmonious society is naive at best and dangerous at worst. As an Iranian-American who fled the authoritarian regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I can attest that weakening law enforcement only emboldens criminals and creates an environment where the law-abiding citizens are the ones who suffer the most.

Policing as a Cornerstone of American Safety

In my years working within different activist communities and as a member of several advocacy groups, I have come to realize the critical role that policing plays in maintaining order. Without the ability to enforce the rule of law, no society can remain stable or free. As an ex-Muslim, former socialist, and someone who has seen firsthand the result of unstable governance—whether under the tyrannical rule of Islamic extremists or in socialist regimes where law enforcement is either corrupted or rendered impotent—I believe that stronger policing is essential for preserving the freedoms we hold dear.

Contrary to the claims of the "Better Utah Institute" and their ideological allies, stronger policing does not equate to a police state. We must be clear about what we mean when we talk about "stronger" law enforcement: it's about ensuring police officers have the tools, training, and resources to uphold the law and protect citizens without infringing on their rights. Utah should not follow the path of cities like Portland, Oregon or Minneapolis, Minnesota, where police forces have been weakened, resulting in skyrocketing crime rates. Instead, Utah should invest in law enforcement, provide officers with better training in de-escalation and community engagement, and ensure that those who break the law are held accountable.

The Dangers of Weakened Policing

The “better” approach that the left advocates—soft on crime policies, defunding the police, and letting “community solutions” take over—fails to acknowledge the realities of crime. We are seeing the results of such policies in cities that have already implemented them. For example, in cities like Seattle and San Francisco, we see businesses closing, neighborhoods deteriorating, and families leaving because they no longer feel safe. I’ve seen the same things happen in countries where lawlessness prevails—whether in the Middle East, where political instability reigns, or in socialist-controlled regimes, where the people suffer under both state control and crime.

In Utah, a state that prides itself on its values of family, faith, and community, we should not compromise our safety. The people of Utah deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their streets, and in their places of work. Law enforcement is a critical part of that safety, and any attempt to weaken it will ultimately harm those who are already vulnerable, including minorities, the elderly, and children.

A Call to Action for Stronger Policing in Utah

Utah's safety should not be a political issue. As a Christian conservative, I believe in the sanctity of life, the importance of law and order, and the need to protect the innocent. We must reject the misguided, leftist notion that policing should be weaker and support our law enforcement agencies, ensuring they are equipped to keep our communities safe.

It is time for the people of Utah to rise up and make it clear that we will not stand by while law enforcement is weakened in the name of political ideologies that harm the very fabric of our society. Stronger policing in Utah is not just a necessity—it is a moral imperative for the future of our state and the preservation of our values.

Let us stand together for a safer Utah and a stronger America.

Citations:

1. "The Case for Stronger Policing: Why Law Enforcement Matters." National Review, 2023.
2. "Defunding the Police: What’s at Stake?" The Heritage Foundation, 2021.
3. “Crime Trends in Utah: An Analysis of Rising Violent Crime,” Salt Lake Tribune, 2024.
4. "The Impact of Police Defunding on Crime Rates," Journal of Criminal Justice, 2022.
5. "Better Utah Institute's Defund Movement: A Look at the Evidence," The Salt Lake City Tribune, 2023.