Vol. 42, No. 1: BLACK AND BLUE: The State of Policing Today

Responding to the Fierce Urgency of Now

by Jonathan M. Smith

In the past, the nation has returned to business as usual after reports of police brutality and brief calls for reform. It’s time to stop letting opportunities to address policing practices slip through our grasp.

Two Worlds: A Historical Perspective on the Dichotomous Relations between Police and Black and White Communities

By Otis S. Johnson

Historically, the police have “occupied” the black community while serving and protecting the interests of the white community. These experiences have shaped black and white opinions about the police.

Legitimate Community Policing: How Citizen Participation Creates a Successful and Collaborative Enterprise

By Norm Stamper

Legitimate community policing involves meaningful citizen participation in all aspects of local police operations.

Police Militarization and the War on Citizens

By Jeff Adachi

The modern militarization of police to combat the war on drugs and terror has resulted in loss of life and liberty. It’s time to end the war on our citizens.

Civil Rights & Constitution

Comparative Policing Revisited: The Struggle toward Democracy in the 21st Century

By Maria (Maki) Haberfeld

Five countries’ democratic police forces are examined to highlight ways in which U.S. police academies should improve their standards for recruitment and selection to improve the nation’s police profession.

Though the Technology Is New, Police Abuse Is Not

By Hallie Ryan, Jon Greenbaum

Body-worn, cell phone, and surveillance camera recordings of police brutality against racial minorities has brought the historical problem to light. But what else are we not seeing with our own eyes?

A View in Blue: Perspectives from Law Enforcement

By Cedric L. Alexander

Even in a government of laws, the police must earn from the community the privilege of honoring and protecting human rights in that community.

For-Profit Policing, Municipal Courts, and Human Rights Violations

By Thomas Harvey, Kathleen Heath

Keeping the eyes of the international community on the United States is vital to holding government bodies accountable for their unjust and harmful practices.

Human Rights Hero: Craig Futterman Cracks the Code of Silence

Professor Craig Futterman, along with his clinical students, facilitated the release of the Laquan McDonald shooting video that highlighted the need for transparency and accountability to stem the pattern of police abuse.