There has been a clash between Environmental Justice and Police Militarization through the discussion about the proposed Public Safety Training Centre. This centre, referred to as Cop City, has been planned to be constructed in an 85 acre area of the Weelaunee Forest – South River in Atlanta. It has funding worth millions through public contributions and donations etc. Thus, the construction of the Cop City sparked debate amongst locals as those who support it suggest that modernizing police and firefighter training will allow locals to have an emergency response to situations. While police marginalization may cost mutual understanding and environment as well. The post below focuses on the impacts the Environment Justice and Police Militarization have on the local neighbourhood predominantly owned by black community.
What is Environmental Justice vs Police Militarization
Environmental Justice is a principle that supports the opposition of Cop City as it would be constructed by clearing out a major part of the South River Forest of Atlanta. This area is majorly owned by Black community and surrounded by them. The communities of the area are burdened by flooding and other issues. Thus, oppose the construction of Cop City.
Police Militarization refers to the increased use of equipment and training which when taught in centres might lead to conflicts. Thus, the local residents and groups fear that the training might encourage individuals to have a strong force and increased police members rather than having mutual trust and understanding.
What is Cop City?
The Public Safety Training Centre of Atlanta is referred to as Cop City. The centre is spread over 85 acres and is funded by public money and private donations making it the largest police training facility in the United States. It has been planned to be constructed in Weelaunee (South River ) Forest in Atlanta. The facility has an estimated cost of $90 million.
As per research, it has been found that those who support the Cop City suggest that the Centre may modernize training for police and firefighters. On the other hand, critics argue that it represents police expansion leading to an environmental loss and color community displacement.
What are the impacts of Environmental Justice and Police Militarization on CopCity?
The Environmental Justice and Police Militarization have several impacts on the Cop City which include:
- A loss of green space – A major portion of the South River Forest would be affected as it will be destroyed by the facility members which would directly impact the ecology, biodiversity and the services to be offered by the environment such as controlling the stormwater runoff and reduction in the urban heat island effect.
- An increase in pollution – The development and deforestation are expected to increase air and water pollution for the environment.
- An amplification in environmental racism – The facility has been observed to be prolonging the pattern of social violence and injustice in forests situated at a location where racial violence is observed.
- Health Impacts – The forest defenders assume that the removal by facility will eventually lead to increased flooding and health concerns as well.
Why Forest Defenders Oppose Cop City
The forest defenders commit towards protecting the environment and ecosystem. Thus, they strongly oppose Cop City. This is because the centre aims to clear Atlanta`s forests leading to loss of environment and an increase in pollution and health concerns. It is to be noted that it is not just the forest defenders who oppose Cop City but environmental justice groups, local residents and leaders are against it too.
FAQs Related To Environmental Justice vs Police Militarization
- How do Environmental Justice and Police Marginalization affect the Cop City?
- The Environmental Justice and Police Marginalization oppose the Cop City as it might lead to health concerns and increased pollution.
- Why do environmentalists and forest defenders oppose Cop City?
- These groups oppose Cop City as it might clear a part of the South River in order to be constructed creating a problem for the locals.
- What effects can the Centre have on local residents and marginalized groups?
- The construction of the centre may escalate police militarization affecting community participation and neighbourhood sensitivity.
