Justice and Legitimacy in Policing: Transforming the Institution

Justice and Legitimacy in Policing is a comprehensive book that examines the state of American policing and proposes solutions to reform/transform the institution. It covers topics such as body-worn cameras, diversity, crimmigration, qualified immunity, and the abolitionist movement, and encourages readers to envision transformative propositions. The book is intended for policymakers, practitioners, academics, and students.

Format: Hardback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The state of American policing is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and critical analysis. In recent years, there has been a growing call for reform and transformation of the institution, as concerns about police misconduct, racial profiling, and excessive use of force have become increasingly prevalent. This book aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the current state of American policing and to propose solutions to reform/transform the institution.

One of the key issues that this book addresses is the implementation of body-worn cameras for police officers. Body-worn cameras have been shown to reduce police misconduct and improve accountability, as they provide a record of interactions between officers and the public. However, there are also concerns about the privacy and security of the data collected by body-worn cameras, as well as the potential for abuse and misuse.

Another issue that this book examines is the issue of diversity in police agencies. Studies have shown that diversity in police agencies can improve community relations and reduce racial profiling. However, there are also challenges associated with increasing diversity, such as cultural differences, language barriers, and recruitment and retention issues.

The problem of crimmigration is also a significant issue that this book addresses. Crimmigration refers to the movement of individuals across borders for the purpose of committing crimes. This issue is particularly relevant in the United States, as the country has a large immigrant population and a complex border security system.

Limiting qualified immunity is another proposed solution to reform/transform the American policing institution. Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that protects police officers from being sued for civil rights violations unless they can prove that they acted with "malice or reckless disregard." However, there are concerns that qualified immunity has led to a lack of accountability for police officers who engage in misconduct.

The abolitionist movement is also a topic that this book examines. Abolitionists argue that the police institution is inherently racist and oppressive, and that it should be abolished. While there are some proponents of abolitionism, there are also concerns about the potential for increased crime and disorder if the police institution is abolished.

Each chapter of this book is devoted to a specific area of policing that has either received criticism for the problems it may create or has been proposed to effect reform. The chapters are sequenced such that readers are introduced to a spectrum of topics to expand the discourse on changes needed to achieve equitable policing. The book also encourages readers to consider the idea that achieving justice and legitimacy in policing cannot happen as the institution is now formulated, and it invites readers to use the topics discussed in each chapter to envision transformative propositions.

Justice and Legitimacy in Policing is intended to engage policymakers and practitioners as well as interested members of the public. The scope of this book also makes it a valuable resource for academics and students.

In conclusion, the state of American policing is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and critical analysis. This book aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the current state of American policing and to propose solutions to reform/transform the institution. By addressing issues such as body-worn cameras, diversity in police agencies, crimmigration, limiting qualified immunity, and the abolitionist movement, this book seeks to contribute to the ongoing discourse on policing reform and to promote justice and legitimacy in the institution.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032258447