Police Use of Excessive Force against African Americans: Historical Antecedents and Community Perceptions

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Description

Robertson and Chaney examine how the early antecedents of police brutality like plantation overseers, the lynching of African American males, early race riots, the Rodney King incident, and the Los Angeles Rampart Scandal have directly impacted the current relationship between communities of color and police. Using a phenomenological framework, they analyze how African American college students perceive police to determine how race, gender, and education create different realities among a demographic. Based on their qualitative and quantitative findings, Robertson and Chaney offer recommended policies and strategies for police and communities to improve relationships and perceptions between the two.

Reviews

Authors Robertson (Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ.) and Chaney (Louisiana State Univ.) examine the phenomenon of police brutality through the lens of critical race theory, beginning with a discussion of the current sociopolitical milieu, in which groups such as Black Lives Matter insist that society not ignore the issue of governmental violence against black Americans. The book continues with a summary of the historical underpinnings of the belief system underlying this violence, ending with discussion of a project measuring college students' opinions on the subject. The authors preface their methodology by asking "if any differences exist between how Black male and female college students perceive members of Law Enforcement. It is important to note that the text does not denigrate law enforcement. The book is dedicated to the victims of the misuse of force, but also to those law enforcement professionals who approach the profession with honor, dignity, professionalism, and respect, and to the families of fallen officers. Ultimately, the authors present a balanced and well-reasoned perspective and timely, useful research on an incendiary topic. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.

* CHOICE *
This powerful and well-constructed book sets a new precedent to discuss the relationship between communities of color and law enforcement in America. Robertson and Chaney have contributed greatly to tackling the historical concern of police violence. Exploring the perceptions of Black college students, this book deepens our thinking to stretch the discussion on how much Black and Blue Lives Matter when endeavoring to improve the community-police relationship. -- William T. Hoston, Prairie View A&M University
Current police brutality reflects our long history of white supremacy. Robertson and Chaney narrate this history brilliantly and bring forth contemporary data showing that young African Americans perceive the police as a vigilante force. They end with a critical review of policy proposals to reform policing and highlight the very few they believe can work. I highly recommend this very readable and informative book for class adoption. -- Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, Duke University; author of Racism Without Racists

Author Bio

Ray V. Robertson is associate professor of sociology at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.



Cassandra D. Chaney is professor of child and family studies at Louisiana State University.