@9CF4L3GLibertarian10mos10MO
Because not every problem the force is faced with can be solved with talking. Some people who want to steal and assault will do so even if there is a softer option.
@VulcanMan6 10mos10MO
But you still would not need a "strong police force" just to handle petty thieves and individual assault cases. Even a basic mall cop could do that; there is no reason for militarized police forces in the first place.
And again, having community programs, and more importantly, structural policies and legislation, in place to provide or even guarantee things like food, stable shelter, physical and mental healthcare, education, etc. would significantly reduce the root cause of crime in the first place: poverty.
