Why the Police Should be Trained by Black People

The book "Why the Police Should be Trained by Black People" is a training textbook that combines traditional models of policing with new approaches to teaching and training about law enforcement in the U.S. from the Black lens. It is written by Black law enforcement professionals, scholars, community members, victims, and others, and aims to address how Black people are policed. The book describes policing based on the experience of being Black in the US, with a concern for the life and life chances of Black people. It explores the role of law enforcement as crime control and crime prevention agents, and addresses issues related to race and use of force, misconduct, the law, ethics/values, and research. It is essential reading for students enrolled in policing courses, as well as for those undertaking police academy and in-service police training.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 26 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Why the Police Should be Trained by Black People is a groundbreaking initiative that aligns academic and community efforts to address the issue of how Black people are policed. This innovative training textbook combines traditional policing models with new approaches to teaching and training about law enforcement in the United States, all through the Black lens. The contributors to this textbook are a diverse group of Black law enforcement professionals (both seasoned and retired), scholars, community members, victims, and other individuals who bring their unique perspectives to the table.

Each chapter in this training textbook explores policing based on the Black experience in the United States, with a deep concern for the well-being and life chances of Black individuals. The book is organized into five sections that provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the history, theory, and practice of law enforcement, policing, and society in Black communities.

In the first section, readers will delve into the history and theory of law enforcement, policing, and society in Black communities. This section will provide a foundation for understanding the historical context and systemic issues that have shaped the experiences of Black people in law enforcement. It will also explore the role of race-based societal and governmental norms in perpetuating police violence and discrimination against Black communities.

The second section of the textbook takes a critical approach to examining how law enforcement and the nature of police work intertwine with race-based societal and governmental norms. It will explore the historical and contemporary practices that have led to the disproportionate policing of Black communities and the impact of these practices on Black individuals and communities. The section will also examine the challenges faced by Black police officers in navigating the complexities of their roles and the systemic barriers they encounter.

The third section of the textbook focuses on understanding the variation in pedagogy, recruitment, selection, and training that has impacted the experience of police officers, including Black police officers, and Black people in the United States. It will explore the historical and contemporary practices that have perpetuated racial biases and discrimination in law enforcement and the ways in which these practices have contributed to the perpetuation of police violence and misconduct. The section will also examine the efforts underway to promote diversity and inclusivity in law enforcement and the challenges that remain.

The fourth section of the textbook explores the role of law enforcement as crime control and crime prevention agents in Black communities. It will examine the historical and contemporary practices that have led to the over-policing and criminalization of Black individuals and communities. The section will also explore the ways in which law enforcement has contributed to the perpetuation of community violence and the challenges faced by Black communities in seeking justice and accountability.

The fifth section of the textbook addresses issues related to race and use of force, misconduct, the law, ethics/values, and the future of law enforcement and policing, especially related to policing of Black people. It will explore the historical and contemporary experiences of police violence and discrimination against Black individuals and communities and the ways in which these experiences have shaped the attitudes and behaviors of law enforcement officers. The section will also examine the research and evidence-based practices that can be used to promote racial equity and reduce police violence.

In conclusion, Why the Police Should be Trained by Black People is a groundbreaking initiative that brings pedagogical and scholarly responsibility for policing in Black communities to life. By combining traditional policing models with new approaches to teaching and training, this textbook provides a comprehensive understanding of the history, theory, and practice of law enforcement, policing, and society in Black communities. The contributions of Black law enforcement professionals, scholars, community members, victims, and other individuals make this training textbook a valuable resource for anyone interested in promoting racial equity and reducing police violence.

Weight: 502g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367684136