> Seems like one of these claims needs adjustment.

Well, yes, I didn't mean literally everyone. It was a turn of phrase, a hyperbole.

> "They have argued that cities should instead prioritize the programs that have been defunded over the years that would address root causes of crime and poverty, like education, healthcare and homeless services."

Yes. Police and prisons are actually vastly more expensive than other, nonviolent community investments to reduce crime. But efficiency and cost effectiveness aren't really the point of "law enforcement". Rather, to borrow a phrase, the cruelty is the point.

Anyway, my point is that the power of the police unions is due to the public support for the police, not simply their collective bargaining power. Few other unions have as much power.