From my experience observing discussions on police reform, it’s clear that police training, while intended to improve officer conduct, often fails to address the root causes of excessive force and violence. The data illustrating police shootings by race from 2017 to 2024 shows troubling disparities that training alone has not mitigated. I have noticed that training programs frequently focus on procedural skills rather than on cultural or systemic reforms. For instance, while diversity training and de-escalation tactics are emphasized, the overall policing system’s militarization and accountability issues remain largely unaddressed. Many communities affected by police violence share a sense of distrust, feeling that training has been used more as a public relations tool than a means for real change. In discussions with others, there is often a call for broader reforms such as demilitarization of police forces and reallocation of funds to social services, which are believed to be more effective in reducing violence. Moreover, the political climate surrounding policing, including the mixed approaches taken by lawmakers, complicates the issue further. The idea that training is a distraction from deeper issues resonates with many activists who argue that relying on training alone neglects the systemic nature of the problem. Ultimately, I believe authentic change will require a multifaceted approach that combines honest examination of policing culture, structural reforms, and community engagement, not just enhanced training programs.