Policing the Racial Divide: Urban Growth Politics and the Remaking of Segregation

The book Policing the Racial Divide by Daanika Gordon explores how race shapes the way policing is done in cities across America, highlighting the role of law enforcement in urban growth politics and showing how this leads to segregated landscapes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2022
Publisher: New York University Press

The 2023 Edwin H. Sutherland Book Award Winner


A Behind-the-Scenes Account of the Harsh Realities of Policing in a Segregated City




For thirteen months, Daanika Gordon immersed herself in the intricate world of policing in "River City," a profoundly segregated rust belt metropolis. Her journey took her deep into the heart of two districts, where she observed the contrasting realities of police service. In predominantly white neighborhoods, she discovered officers who provided responsive, community-oriented service, actively engaged in problem-solving, and cultivated strong relationships with the residents. On the other hand, in predominantly Black communities, she witnessed a troubling pattern of over-policing and under-protection that had persisted for decades. These disparities, which have been a defining feature of US policing throughout history, were exacerbated by policies intended to bridge racial divides.




Policing the Racial Divide


Unveiling the Complexities of Race and Policing in American Cities




In her captivating book, Policing the Racial Divide, Gordon delves into the intricate dynamics that shape the way policing unfolds in cities across America. Through in-depth interviews and extensive ethnographic observation, she offers a revealing account of how race often dominates the policing landscape. Gordon sheds light on an understudied aspect of racially disparate policing: the role of law enforcement in urban growth politics. Many postindustrial cities, driven by economic development and gentrification, are investing in downtowns, affluent neighborhoods, and entertainment corridors, while simultaneously marginalizing marginalized central city neighborhoods as sources of criminal and civic threat that must be contained and controlled.




A Sobering Picture of Modern-Day Segregation




Gordon paints a sobering picture of modern-day segregation, revealing the stark divide between rich, white neighborhoods and poor, Black neighborhoods within the same city. She documents how the police enforce these racial borders, creating two distinct and unequal sides of the same urban landscape. In predominantly white neighborhoods, Gordon observes a sense of security and protection, with officers actively patrolling the streets, responding to calls, and fostering a strong sense of community. However, in predominantly Black communities, she witnesses a different reality. The police are seen as an occupying force, often responding to incidents with excessive force and perpetuating a cycle of distrust and marginalization.




The Role of Law Enforcement in Urban Growth Politics


Exploring the Divide between Rich and Poor




Gordon's analysis highlights the complex interplay between law enforcement, urban growth politics, and segregation. She argues that law enforcement plays a crucial role in shaping the spatial distribution of resources and opportunities, perpetuating existing inequalities and reinforcing segregation. By investing in downtowns and gentrified neighborhoods, cities create a spatial divide between rich and poor, leaving marginalized communities behind. The police, as agents of the state, are often complicit in this process, as their presence in these privileged areas reinforces the perception of safety and security, while their absence in marginalized neighborhoods contributes to a sense of neglect and vulnerability.




Consequences of Racial Disparities in Policing




The consequences of racial disparities in policing are far-reaching and profound. Gordon documents how these differences lead to unequal treatment and outcomes for individuals and communities of color. Black and Latinx individuals are more likely to be stopped, searched, and arrested, even when they are not engaged in criminal activity. They are also more likely to face harsher punishments and less favorable legal outcomes. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty, criminalization, and social exclusion, which undermines the social fabric of cities and perpetuates racial inequality.




Policy Implications and Solutions


Moving Toward a More Equitable Future




To address the challenges posed by racial disparities in policing, Gordon offers several policy implications and solutions. She advocates for a more holistic approach to policing that emphasizes community-building, problem-solving, and collaboration. This includes investing in community-based programs, diversifying the police force, and promoting transparency and accountability in law enforcement. Gordon also calls for a re-examination of urban growth policies to ensure that they prioritize the needs and well-being of all communities, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.




In conclusion, Policing the Racial Divide is a groundbreaking book that sheds light on the complex dynamics of race and policing in American cities. Through her in-depth research and compelling storytelling, Gordon offers a powerful critique of the current policing system and provides a roadmap for a more equitable and just future. This book is a must-read for policymakers, activists, and anyone interested in understanding the roots of racial inequality and the urgent need for change.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479814053