The Militarization of the Police: Ideology Versus Reality

Drawing from the author's fieldwork and his personal experiences in law enforcement, The Militarization of the Police? Ideology Versus Reality employs social science analysis to refute claims that the police in the United States have become militarized. Readers are exposed to research, analysis, and personal narratives that provide insight into the public perception of law enforcement and the behind-the-scenes realities that few experience outside of police work.

The book begins by critically examining assertions by Peter Kraska, a professor, and by Radley Balko, a journalist, that the police have become militarized. Later chapters reveal the reality of narcotics raids and the problem with the War on Drugs, examine how the ACLU has criticized SWAT teams in the media, and explore the intertwining of race, poverty, and drugs. Readers gain new perspectives on the riots in Ferguson and in Baltimore through the eyes of law enforcement officials. The book additionally describes real-world examples of the use of excessive force and proposed non-violent alternatives.

In employing a social science perspective to the complexities of law enforcement in modern society, The Militarization of the Police? Ideology Versus Reality, is an ideal text for courses in criminal justice, law enforcement, and social science.

George C. Klein, is a professor emeritus at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, Illinois. He previously taught sociology and anthropology for 43 years. He holds a Ph.D. in sociology and in criminal justice from Union Graduate School. He has an A.M. in social science from the University of Chicago, an M.A. in anthropology from Northwestern University, and an M.A. in sociology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has served as a part-time police officer in the Chicago area. He is a trained hostage negotiator, and he has worked with a SWAT team. He worked as a consultant and as a researcher for the Behavioral Science Unit at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He works as an expert witness in the area of mental health and criminal justice. He specializes in police apprehension of the mentally ill, police use of excessive force, and jail suicide. He is the author of The Adventure: The Quest for My Romanian Babies and Law and the Disordered: An Exploration in Mental Health, Law, and Politics.

“This is a brilliant book written by a brilliant observer and researcher. The book is about a subject of immediate and enduring concern to all who work in the field of law enforcement, as well as the community at large. Klein’s critical analysis of other related theories and the point-by-point discussion and disagreements make this a tome that must be read, and more importantly, critically understood by those on both sides of the issues raised. [...] This is truly a full book with much more to examine than can be done in a single review. It must be read, analyzed, studied, and understood by the most astute student.”
James L. Greenstone, Ed.D., J.D., Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Police Emergency Response: An International Journal of Hostage Negotiations and Crisis Intervention 

Sharon C. Leviton, Ph.D., DABECI, Editor, Journal of Police Emergency Response: An International Journal of Hostage Negotiations and Crisis Intervention