
Today, Explained What “abolish the police” means
Jun 4, 2020
Brandon Hasbrook, an Assistant Professor of Law at Washington and Lee University and an expert on police abolition, dives into the radical concept of abolishing the police. He discusses the historical ties of policing to slavery and systemic racism, offering a critical look at contemporary law enforcement. The conversation highlights the push for community safety reforms, alternative crisis response methods, and the broader implications for marginalized communities. Hasbrook encourages listeners to rethink safety and justice beyond traditional policing models.
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Personal Safety and Community
- Philip McHarris, facing a gang threat, didn't call the police.
- He relied on community connections for safety, highlighting distrust in law enforcement.
Abolish the Police: Not a Radical Idea
- Abolishing the police isn't a radical idea for many people of color.
- It aims to dismantle a system rooted in white supremacy and control of Black bodies.
Racist Roots of Policing
- Policing has racist roots, originating from slave patrols in the South and control of free Blacks in the North.
- Even after slavery, police enforced Jim Crow laws, perpetuating racial subjugation.

