Brilliant analysis. I've long thought that the real purpose of policing is not to serve the masses of people but to maintain at any cost the status quo that serves the rich and powerful. So quelling protests--and kneecapping the categories of people with the most grievances so they can't even organise themselves into protests--is why the police are actually there. Of course it makes sense that police will not countenance any "reform" that decreases their ability to do the above, but will gladly welcome any intervention that makes their job easier and more effective. And what they'll welcome most is a reform that looks like it's making them more accountable while actually serving the opposite purpose. Thank you for highlighting all this, Alec. Keep up your great work!
Brilliant analysis. I've long thought that the real purpose of policing is not to serve the masses of people but to maintain at any cost the status quo that serves the rich and powerful. So quelling protests--and kneecapping the categories of people with the most grievances so they can't even organise themselves into protests--is why the police are actually there. Of course it makes sense that police will not countenance any "reform" that decreases their ability to do the above, but will gladly welcome any intervention that makes their job easier and more effective. And what they'll welcome most is a reform that looks like it's making them more accountable while actually serving the opposite purpose. Thank you for highlighting all this, Alec. Keep up your great work!
ACAB.