Just repeating the comment Biden made regarding the police as noted in the links above for context

“That’s how they beat the living hell out of us across the country, saying that we’re talking about defunding the police. We’re not. We’re talking about holding them accountable. We’re talking about giving them money to do the right things. We’re talking about putting more psychologists and psychiatrists on the telephones when the 911 calls through. We’re talking about spending money to enable them to do their jobs better, not with more force, with less force and more understanding.”

The slogan “defund the police” has been blamed for House and Senate losses by Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., along with other moderate House Democrats. Former President Barack Obama joined in, calling it a snappy slogan that cost votes.

“I just raise it with you to think about how much do we push between now and January 5 — we need those two seats — about police reform. But I guarantee you, there will be a full-blown commission. I guarantee you it’s a major, major, major element,” Biden said.

https://theintercept.com/2020/12/10/biden-audio-meeting-civil-rights-leaders/

Regarding Vilsack and Shirley Sherrod, Sherrod appeared on Joy Reid's show yesterday. Sherrod noted that Vilsack apologized for her firing. She felt Vilsack should e given a chance in the Biden administration.