Rise of the Warrior Cop

By Radley Balko,

Book cover of Rise of the Warrior Cop: The Militarization of America's Police Forces

Book description

The last days of colonialism taught America's revolutionaries that soldiers in the streets bring conflict and tyranny. As a result, our country has generally worked to keep the military out of law enforcement. But according to investigative reporter Radley Balko, over the last several decades, America's cops have increasingly come…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Rise of the Warrior Cop as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I love this book because it provides a unique perspective on the problems of policing.

It is certainly true that discrimination and socio-economic disparity are important explanations that are relevant to policing problems. However, Balko shows that the police institution’s warrior identity is an equally important problem.

This book provides an illuminating account of the ways that America's police officers have come to resemble an occupying military force that is in a faceoff against the communities they are supposed to protect.

From Luke's list on the cluster-f*ck we call policing.

Want books like Rise of the Warrior Cop?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 36 books like Rise of the Warrior Cop.

Browse books like Rise of the Warrior Cop

Book cover of Dark Ghettos: Injustice, Dissent, and Reform
Book cover of Street Stories: The World of Police Detectives
Book cover of Predict and Surveil: Data, Discretion, and the Future of Policing

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in police, the American Revolution, and Black Lives Matter?

Police 258 books