A Critical Analysis of Race, Policy, and Policing

A Critical Analysis of Race, Policy, and Policing provides students with a variety of readings that examine the complex and often tumultuous relationship between law enforcement and people and communities of color. The selections within this anthology offer research pertaining to racial profiling, punitive justice policies, and the use of excessive force by police.

The anthology is divided into two distinct parts. Part I, titled Policing Blacks, includes readings that address racial profiling of blacks by U.S. law enforcement in Nebraska from 2002 to 2007, the taut relationship between police and black males, racial profiling in airports, and the connection between youth of color and the carceral state. In Part II, titled Policing Latinos, students read selections that examine policing of Latino communities in south Los Angeles, racial profiling of Latinos, and issues of immigration and "illegality."

Through contemporary research and carefully selected readings, A Critical Analysis of Race, Policy, and Policing exposes students to modern justice issues by focusing on the lived experiences of communities most impacted by flawed criminal justice policies. It is an ideal supplementary textbook for courses in criminal justice, ethnic studies, and policing.
Sean Wilson is a professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at William Paterson University. He earned his Ph.D. from Texas Southern University and currently serves as the secretary for the Minorities and Women Section of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. His research interests include race and crime, critical policing, qualitative research, and penology.
Heather Alaniz is an adjunct faculty instructor of criminal justice, ethics, and law at the University of Houston-Clear Lake and San Jacinto College. She also works as a client service paralegal for a large corporation and has worked at various litigation law firms in Houston. Dr. Alaniz earned her Ph.D. in administration of justice from Texas Southern University.