The End of Policing

The summer of 2020 protests following George Floyd's police killing pushed the defund the police movement into international politics. Alex Vitale's book "The End of Policing" argues that increased diversity, body cameras, and training have not reduced police killings and abuse. He suggests restructuring society and putting resources into communities as an alternative to policing. The book demonstrates how implementing alternatives to policing, such as drug legalization and harm reduction, has led to reductions in crime, spending, and injustice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2021
Publisher: Verso Books

The summer of 2020 witnessed a historic uprising in response to the police killing of George Floyd, which by some estimates became the largest protests in US history. This tragic event brought the issue of defunding the police to the forefront of international politics, sparking a urgent public discussion over police and racial justice. The book "The End of Policing" by Alex Vitale, its author, became a bestseller, solidifying Vitale as a prominent figure in this critical debate.

In her article "Things I Can't Live Without," Rachel Kushner highlights the disappointing reality that despite increased diversity on police forces, the use of body cameras, and improved training, there has been minimal discernible difference in reducing police killings and abuse. Kushner argues that we need to restructure our society and allocate resources directly to communities rather than relying solely on the police. This perspective is compellingly presented by Alex Vitale in "The End of Policing."

Vitale demonstrates that the problem lies in policing itself, with the dramatic expansion of the police role over the past forty years. Through extensive research conducted across the globe, "The End of Policing" provides a comprehensive account of how implementing alternatives to policing, such as drug legalization, regulation, and harm reduction, can lead to significant reductions in crime, spending, and injustice. This edition of the book includes a new introduction that assesses the renewed movement to challenge police impunity and offers insights on how we can move forward, evaluating protest, policy, and the political landscape.

The book's central argument is that policing has become overly focused on enforcing laws and maintaining order, often at the expense of addressing the root causes of social problems. By shifting resources away from the police and towards community-based initiatives, Vitale suggests that we can create a more equitable and effective system of justice. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, de-escalation techniques, and addressing the underlying social and economic issues that contribute to crime.

One of the book's key findings is that the implementation of alternatives to policing has had positive outcomes in various countries. For instance, in Portugal, where drug use and crime rates have significantly declined since the decriminalization of drugs, the police role has been reduced, and resources have been redirected towards education, healthcare, and social services. Similarly, in the Netherlands, where harm reduction strategies have been adopted, there has been a decrease in drug-related deaths and crime rates.

Vitale also challenges the notion that police are necessary for public safety. He argues that the expansion of the police role has led to increased militarization, racial profiling, and police brutality. Instead, he advocates for a shift towards community-based solutions that prioritize de-escalation, conflict resolution, and building trust between law enforcement and the community.

"The End of Policing" is a thought-provoking and timely book that sheds light on the urgent need for reform in the field of policing. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical and contemporary challenges facing the police and offers practical solutions for a more just and equitable society. As we continue to grapple with issues of police violence and racial injustice, this book serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, activists, and individuals seeking to address these complex problems.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 306 x 129 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839763786