If you have to explain it, you shouldn't use it. The slogan survives precisely because it attracts adherents who don't "understand" it. If it doesn't mean "defund," then it shouldn't SAY "defund."

The effort to change the role of police may make sense, and the consequence may be that police departments need fewer personnel and less money. But in that effort, defunding is a consequence, not an aim.

I understand that it's difficult to get people to march under a "reorganize policing" banner. But that doesn't make the slogan any less problematic. "Protect and Serve" would send the allegedly intended message. But somehow, that isn't what we're seeing. How come?