Woocast's Politics & Polls

In light of the widespread Black Lives Matter protests, Americans are taking a deep look at police violence in the country. Many are demanding a complete transformation of our criminal justice system, tasking America’s leaders with delivering tangible policy. This week, Alex Vitale joins Julian Zelizer and Sam Wang to discuss the Kerner commission, the militarization of policing, and where the country goes from here. Vitale, author of “The End of Policing,” explains the deep connection between police violence and racial inequality in America. The trio looks at why police departments are made to deal with homelessness, mental health issues, and medical care, and what could be ahead. ​Vitale is professor of sociology and coordinator of the Policing and Social Justice Project at Brooklyn College. He is also a visiting professor at London Southbank University. He has spent the last 25 years writing about policing and consults both police departments and human rights organizations internationally.