advocating against the carceral system of the United States. In the summer of 2016, Chicago had a multitude of abolitionist actions and protests in response to the deaths of Michael Brown and Paul O'Neal, among others. This included the occupation of an empty lot across from a Chicago Police Department property, naming it "Freedom Square", as an experiment of a world without police. In 2017, sociologist Alex S. Vitale authored The End of Policing, calling for police abolition as opposed to reforms. Police abolition spiked in popularity following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin. A super-majority of the Minneapolis City Council (9 of 12 council members) pledged in June 2020 to dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department. Entry qualifications Nearly all U.S. states and the federal government have by law adopted minimum-standard standardized training requirements for all officers with powers of arrest within the state. Many standards apply to in-service training as well as entry-level training, particularly in the use of firearms, with periodic re-certification required. These standards often comply with standards promoted by the US Department of Justice and typically require a thorough background check that potential police recruits must take. A typical set of criteria dictates that they must: Be a United States citizen (waived in certain agencies if the applicant is a lawful resident); Have a high school diploma or a GED and if necessary a college degree or served in the United States military without a dishonorable discharge; Be in good medical, physical, and psychological condition; Maintain a clean criminal record without either serious or repeated misdemeanor or any felony convictions; Have a valid driver's license that is not currently nor has a history of being suspended or revoked; Be of high moral character; Not have a history of prior narcotic or repeated marijuana use or alcoholism; Not have a history of ethical, professional, prior employment, motor vehicle, educational, or financial improprieties; Not have a history of domestic violence or mental illness; Not pose a safety and security risk; Be legally eligible to own and carry a firearm. Repeated interviews, written tests, medical examinations, physical fitness tests, comprehensive background investigations, fingerprinting, drug testing, a police oral board interview, a polygraph examination, and a consultation with a psychologist are common practices used to review the suitability of candidates. Recruiting in most departments is competitive, with more suitable and desirable candidates accepted over lesser