Who Do You Serve, Who Do You Protect?

Who Do You Serve, Who Do You Protect? is a collection of essays and reporting that examines policing and police violence in the United States. The contributors include activists, journalists, and scholars who document specific cases and analyze broader patterns of law enforcement conduct. The book covers incidents from multiple cities and regions, focusing on the experiences of marginalized communities in their interactions with police forces. Through investigation of individual stories and statistical data, the work presents evidence about racial profiling, excessive force, surveillance programs, and police militarization. The narratives include perspectives from protest movements, community organizers, and families affected by police actions. Contributors also explore alternative approaches to public safety and examine existing models for community-based solutions. This anthology challenges readers to question fundamental assumptions about law enforcement and public safety in America. The collected works point to systemic issues while presenting possibilities for structural change.

Readers found this collection of essays provided detailed documentation of police violence and systemic racism through real cases and statistics. Many noted its thorough research and diverse perspectives from multiple activists and journalists. Positive reviews highlighted: - Clear explanations of how policing impacts marginalized communities - Strong focus on solutions and alternative approaches - Personal stories that illustrate broader patterns - Updated coverage of recent events and movements Common criticisms: - Some essays seen as too academic/theoretical - Uneven quality between different pieces - Limited coverage of certain geographic regions - Could use more concrete policy recommendations Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (234 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (89 reviews) "A powerful collection that connects individual experiences to the larger system" - Goodreads reviewer "Important but sometimes dense reading" - Amazon reviewer "Would benefit from more practical next steps" - LibraryThing review

The End of Policing by Alex S. Vitale This research-based examination presents data-driven arguments for police abolition and explores alternative approaches to community safety and harm reduction.

From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor This analysis connects contemporary police violence to historical patterns of racial oppression while examining social movements' responses across generations.

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander This investigation reveals how the criminal justice system functions as a system of racial control through mass incarceration and police practices.

Our Enemies in Blue by Kristian Williams This historical study traces the origins of American policing from slave patrols through modern law enforcement while documenting patterns of violence and resistance.

Rise of the Warrior Cop by Radley Balko This investigation follows the militarization of American police forces from the creation of SWAT teams to present-day law enforcement practices.

📚 The book was published in 2016 by Haymarket Books in response to the growing Black Lives Matter movement and increased public awareness of police violence. 🗣️ Maya Schenwar, one of the authors, is also the Editor-in-Chief of Truthout, an independent news organization focused on social justice issues. ✊ The collection features essays from prominent activists and journalists including Alana Yu-lan Price, who has worked extensively with grassroots organizations fighting against police militarization. 📖 The title is structured as a series of reports and essays examining not just police violence, but also surveillance, profiling, and the prison industrial complex in America. 🏆 The book received praise from Michelle Alexander, author of "The New Jim Crow," who called it "an urgently needed collection" that helps readers understand the deep roots of police violence in America.