Into the Night: A Year with the Police

Into the Night is a reflective account of a year as a volunteer police officer, examining the nature of policing, its impact on those who are policed, and on our communal life. It is a luminous portrait of South London, the epicentre of Britain's struggle against racist policing, and a textured, compassionate book about cities, loss, and wounded souls.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

"Into the Night" is a captivating and thought-provoking book that delves into the world of policing, offering a unique and insightful perspective. Written with the verve and immediacy of a novel, the book provides a vivid account of a year spent as a volunteer police officer in South London.

The author, Matt Lloyd-Rose, a former carer, primary school teacher, and education researcher, embarked on this journey to understand the challenges faced by young people in Brixton, the place he lived and taught. What he encountered was far more than he bargained for. Every Friday evening, he donned the uniform and patrolled the streets of South London, racing through it on blue lights, encountering a diverse range of individuals and situations.

Through "Into the Night," the reader is taken on a journey to the heart of society's most complex and controversial institution. The book showcases both the best and worst aspects of ordinary policing, from thrilling moments of macho thrill-seeking to shocking displays of misogyny and discrimination. It paints a vivid portrait of the lives of the homeless, lonely, sick, and angry, as well as teenage gang members, confused drunks, violent partners, runaway dogs, and even an illegal hot-dog vendor who refuses to take no for an answer.

"Into the Night" is an exploration of what it would mean to reframe policing as a caring rather than enforcement role. The author argues that by shifting the focus from punishment to support and assistance, police officers can better serve the communities they are meant to protect. The book also sheds light on the hidden histories of resistance and abuse that have plagued South London, a place that has been at the forefront of Britain's struggle against racist policing.

The writing in "Into the Night" is acutely observed and tenderly written, capturing the essence of human experiences and emotions. Polly Morland, bestselling author of "A Fortunate Women," praised the book for its "compassionate and nuanced portrayal of the lives of those caught up in the criminal justice system." Shami Chakrabarti, a renowned human rights lawyer and author, described it as an "important and timely book written with empathy and real-life experience." Sukhdev Sandhu, a journalist and author, praised the book for its "textured, compassionate book about cities, loss, and wounded souls."

In conclusion, "Into the Night" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of policing and the impact it has on society. Written with empathy, insight, and real-life experience, the book offers a fresh perspective on a controversial institution and sheds light on the hidden histories of resistance and abuse that have shaped our society. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to challenge our assumptions and inspire change.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 144 x 224 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781035004249