Robert J. Kane

Robert Kane's Policing Beyond Coercion proposes a fresh paradigm for conceptualizing the police. In Policing Beyond Coercion, Robert Kane introduces a powerful narrative that encourages policing to move beyond its traditional paradigm with its emphasis on coercion and control. Kane opens by offering a definition of police - based largely on the seminal writings of Egon Bitner and Carl Klockars - and then applies that definition to the police role, arguing that it is time for society to think of policing as an institution whose primary role is to protect life - even when enforcing the law or using force. Kane describes and explains the police subculture, use of force, discretion, recruitment, and accountability and then demonstrates how a protection of life mandate can help policing adapt itself to remain a crucial public institution in a post-George Floyd world. Kane speaks to readers in ways that encourage them to question their assumptions about who the police are while asking them to think about who the police might become. Professors and students will benefit from: A compelling narrative that will keep readers engaged throughout the book A solid foundation in policing, police operations, and strategies An understanding of current role expectations and conflicts A new take on police culture and the "thin blue line" of policing Detailed examinations of stop-and-frisk, use of force and deadly force, discretion, and accountability A push to change the current police recruitment paradigm from one that mostly "screens-out" to one that mostly "screens-in" The introduction of a "new" idea of police that helps policing remain relevant in a post-George Floyd era Non-print materials to support students' engagement with the book and its concepts: Dynamic, online mapping exercises that allow students to analyze police and criminal behavior in real time Blog posts that address emerging topics in the news and encourage students to discuss them with the author and others Podcasts that highlight personal perspectives from police professionals

Drugs, bribes, falsifying evidence, unjustified force and kickbacks: there are many opportunities for cops to act like criminals. Jammed Up is the definitive study of the nature and causes of police misconduct. While police departments are notoriously protective of their own—especially personnel and disciplinary information—Michael White and Robert Kane gained unprecedented, complete access to the confidential files of NYPD officers who committed serious offenses, examining the cases of more than 1,500 NYPD officers over a twenty year period that includes a fairly complete cycle of scandal and reform, in the largest, most visible police department in the United States. They explore both the factors that predict officer misconduct, and the police department's responses to that misconduct, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the issues. The conclusions they draw are important not just for what they can tell us about the NYPD but for how we are to understand the very nature of police misconduct. ACTUAL MISCONDUCT CASES »» An off-duty officer driving his private vehicle stops at a convenience store on Long Island, after having just worked a 10 hour shift in Brooklyn, to steal a six pack of beer at gun point. Is this police misconduct? »» A police officer is disciplined no less than six times in three years for failing to comply with administrative standards and is finally dismissed from employment for losing his NYPD shield (badge). Is this police misconduct? »» An officer was fired for abusing his sick time, but then further investigation showed that the officer was found not guilty in a criminal trial during which he was accused of using his position as a police officer to protect drug and prostitution enterprises. Which is the example of police misconduct?