Deb Fischer: “in 1969, the city of Montreal, Canada, discovered what it is like to live in a world without police. For 16 hours on…”

“in 1969, the city of Montreal, Canada, discovered what it is like to live in a world without police. For 16 hours on October 7, the city's full police force went on strike. What ensued is now called Montreal's ``Night of Terror.'' The city rang out with gunshots, glass shattering, and flames erupting. Just 3 hours after the strike began, the first bank was robbed. Robbers stormed nine more before the police returned. Thefts, vandalism, and mob violence took the city by storm. There were 450 break-ins and over 30 armed holdups. A crowd 800 strong overturned a bus and sent vehicles ablaze. The government sent Provincial police and army officers into the city. But by then, the chaos was already in full force. A sniper shot one officer, killing him. The result of Montreal's ``Night of Terror'' was two dead men, dozens of injuries, over 100 arrests, and close to $3 million in property damage. Less than a day without police was a nightmare for Montreal. Here in America, we often take our strong police force for granted. We enjoy the safety and protection of law enforcement, sometimes without even realizing it. But if trends continue, we will inch closer to living the nightmare of a world without police. In 2022, almost 50 percent more officers resigned than in 2019. Almost 20 percent more officers retired. The number of police officers nationwide decreased by 4,000 between 2020 and 2023.…”