Twentieth-Century Influences on Twenty-First-Century Policing: Continued Lessons of Police Reform

In this revised edition, Cooper explores events in policing since the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson,MO, and offers a potential direction for improving the relationship between police and communities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

This newly revised edition includes two brand-new chapters that delve into recent developments in policing since the tragic events in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014. Rather than merely summarizing historical events, Cooper takes a comprehensive approach by contextualizing the subsequent riots in the light of classic sociological theory and political philosophy. He goes beyond mere description and offers a potential and compelling new direction for improving both police use of force and the relationship between police and communities.

In the first chapter, Cooper examines the historical background and context of policing in the United States, highlighting the systemic issues and challenges that have plagued the profession for decades. He explores the origins of police departments, the role of race and ethnicity in policing, and the historical patterns of discrimination and violence against marginalized communities. Cooper also discusses the impact of media coverage and public perception on police behavior and the challenges faced by police officers in maintaining public trust.

The second chapter focuses on the events in Ferguson, Missouri, and their implications for policing in the United States. Cooper provides a detailed account of the shooting death of Michael Brown by a white police officer, the subsequent protests and riots, and the broader social and political context in which they occurred. He analyzes the factors that contributed to the tensions and conflicts between the police and the community, including racial profiling, police brutality, and institutionalized racism. Cooper also explores the role of social media and the media narrative in shaping public opinion and influencing the response to the events in Ferguson.

Throughout the book, Cooper employs a sociological and political lens to analyze the issues at hand. He draws on a range of theoretical frameworks, including classical sociological theory, critical race theory, and political philosophy, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics that shape policing and the relationship between police and communities. Cooper's analysis is grounded in empirical evidence and data, and he offers practical solutions and recommendations for improving the current state of policing.

One of the key strengths of this book is its ability to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application. Cooper's writing is accessible and engaging, making it accessible to a wide range of readers, including policymakers, law enforcement officials, community leaders, and concerned citizens. He provides a wealth of insights and perspectives that can help inform and shape public discourse and policy decisions related to policing.

In conclusion, this newly revised edition of Policing in America provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the current state of policing in the United States. By contextualizing the recent events in Ferguson and exploring the broader sociological and political dimensions of policing, Cooper offers a potential and compelling new direction for improving both police use of force and the relationship between police and communities. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex issues surrounding policing and the urgent need for reform.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 228 x 161 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793647566
Edition number: Revised Edition