Rise of the Warrior Cop

The Militarization of America's Police Forces

De: Radley Balko

Narrado por: Greg Baglia

A comprehensive exploration of how police forces have become militarized—both in equipment and mindset—and what that means for American democracy.

“Fascinating and at times wrenching.” ―The New Yorker

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 over the last two centuries, America’s cops have increasingly come to resemble ground troops. The consequences have been dire: the home is no longer a place of sanctuary, the Fourth Amendment has been gutted, and police today have been conditioned to see the citizens they serve as enemies.

In Rise of the Warrior Cop, journalist and author Radley Balko shows how politicians’ ill-considered policies and relentless declarations of war against vague enemies like crime, drugs, and terror have blurred the distinction between cop and soldier.

This fascinating, frightening narrative that spans from America’s earliest days through to recent events shows how a creeping battlefield mentality has isolated and alienated American police officers and put them on a collision course with the values of a free society.

“Provokes genuine outrage at the misuse of state power in its most brutal and unaccountable form: heavily armed police raiding the homes of unarmed, non violent suspects on the flimsiest of pretexts, and behaving more like an occupying army in hostile territory than guardians of public safety.” —The Economist

Nuanced until it isnt

A compelling look at the need for serious police reform that generally refrain from broad, unsupported statements until the end but I found the chapters on the dangers of SWAT creep well articulated.

Great stats to use in court

Read this on the road. gave me great ideas to related to my speeding ticket defense at a jury trial.

Gripping and disturbing facts

Well researched case with detailed historical analysis. The trend is disturbing and the author makes very clear arguments supported by facts. It also gives a blueprint for reform.

Fascinating expose’ of data

The book starts off a little slow after the introduction but quickly picks up speed by presenting an avalanche of compelling data. Extrapolation of statistics, tables and first hand stories command your attention and will challenge even the most diehard blue lives matter crowd if they really listen. Highly recommended.

Hands Up!!!

The story of unnecessary escalation.
Worth reading to know how you might be affected.
Be careful.