Pastor Darrell Scott, founder of the New Spirit Revival Center and author of the book “Nothing to Lose,” testified Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee’s hearing on police reform in the wake of George Floyd’s tragic death. During his opening statement, Scott made very clear to committee members that calls to defund the police amid nationwide anger and protests aren’t the solution to a problem of bad policing that he says rests in a small portion of “rogue” cops.

“I want to begin by stating that the prospect of defunding and, or dismantling police forces across the country is one of the most unwise, irresponsible proposals by American politicians in our nation’s history,” Pastor Scott said. “And makes absolutely no sense at all at least to me.”

“I believe it is nothing short of the politicizing of current social events and an effort to garner votes during this election season. I also believe that it’s a reactionary measure that can and will result in short and longterm damage to American society, particularly in our inner city and urban communities.”