Anthropology of Police

Including original and international contributions from both senior and emerging scholars, this pioneering book represents a foundational document for a burgeoning field of study: the anthropology of police.

Format: Hardback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 19 April 2018
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The potential contributions of anthropology to the study of police are vast and multifaceted, extending far beyond the methodological nuances and geographic scope of cultural anthropology. Within the broader field of police studies, there exist a rich set of conceptual and analytical traditions that hold immense value for advancing our understanding of this critical institution. This pioneering book, featuring original and international contributions from both established and emerging scholars, serves as a foundational text for a burgeoning field of study: the anthropology of police.

The chapters within this volume explore the multifaceted nature of police in innovative ways. They delve into the disciplinary legacies of anthropology to uncover new conceptual tools, methodologies, and pedagogies that can shed light on the complex dynamics of policing. By reimagining the relationships between police, the public, and researchers, this book opens up new avenues for exploration while simultaneously articulating new demands for accountability and transparency. Moreover, it traces a haunting hauntology that emerges through interactions with individuals and collectives, constituting a body politic through the figure of the police.

By illustrating the diverse ways in which anthropology enables a reassessment of the police/violence relationship with a steadfast focus on the human stakes at the center, this book appeals to a wide range of scholars and practitioners. Criminologists, sociologists, anthropologists, and those engaged in the interdisciplinary study of policing, order-making, and governance will find great interest in its insights.

In conclusion, the anthropology of police offers a rich and promising avenue for exploring the complex and multifaceted nature of police institutions. By drawing on the disciplinary strengths of anthropology, this field can contribute valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and social contexts that shape policing practices. Through innovative approaches and a commitment to human-centered scholarship, the anthropology of police has the potential to transform our understanding of this critical institution and its impact on society.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138919655