Defund the Police: An International Insurrection

The police are viewed as guardians of public safety and enforcers of the law, but this is not always the case. There have been many attempts at reform, and attention has turned to community-generated models of support, such as defunding the police and funding alternatives to criminalization and incarceration. This book provides a comprehensive overview of police divestment, using international examples and case studies to reimagine community safety beyond policing and imprisonment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The police are often perceived as the guardians of public safety and the enforcers of the law. However, this perception is not without its challenges. One of the most significant challenges is the issue of endemic police violence, which is often directed towards racialized and minoritized groups. This violence has led to widespread protests and calls for reform, with many advocating for community-generated models of support.

One of these models is defunding the police, which involves redirecting funds from the police department to other community-based initiatives that aim to address social issues and promote public safety. This approach has gained traction in recent years, as it recognizes that the police are not the only solution to crime and that there are often better ways to address social problems.

Another community-generated model of support is the development of alternatives to criminalization and incarceration. This includes programs that focus on rehabilitation, education, and community service, rather than solely on punishment. These programs aim to address the root causes of crime and promote social justice, while also reducing the burden on the criminal justice system.

This book is the first comprehensive overview of police divestment, using international examples and case studies to reimagine community safety beyond policing and imprisonment. The book showcases a range of practical examples of defunding and alternatives to criminalization, including programs in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The book is relevant for academics, policy makers, activists, and all those interested in the Black Lives Matter movement, protest movements, and the renewed interest in policing and abolitionism more generally.

In conclusion, while the police are often viewed as the guardians of public safety and the enforcers of the law, there are significant challenges to this perception. Endemic police violence, directed towards racialized and minoritized groups, has led to widespread protests and calls for reform. Defunding the police and developing alternatives to criminalization and incarceration are two community-generated models of support that aim to address these challenges and promote community safety. This book provides a comprehensive overview of these models and their potential to reimagine community safety in the 21st century.

ISBN-13: 9781447361671