Tangled Up in Blue

1. Policing is complex: Rosa Brooks' journey from academic to part-time cop

"I joined the DC Metropolitan Police Department Reserve Corps because it was there."

Unexpected career move. Rosa Brooks, a law professor and human rights advocate, becomes a part-time police officer in Washington D.C. Her decision stems from curiosity about law enforcement and a desire to understand policing from the inside. This unusual career shift provides a unique perspective on the complexities of modern policing.

Dual identities. Brooks navigates two parallel worlds: academia and law enforcement. This duality allows her to critically examine policing practices while experiencing firsthand the challenges officers face. Her background in human rights and international law provides a fresh lens through which to view domestic policing issues.

2. The academy: Training focuses on officer safety, not community relations

"The chief lesson learned at the academy was this: Anyone can kill you at any time."

Hypervigilance indoctrination. Police academy training heavily emphasizes officer safety, often at the expense of community relations and de-escalation techniques. Recruits are bombarded with videos showing officers being attacked or killed, fostering a mindset of constant danger.

Skill gaps. The academy curriculum lacks meaningful discussion on:

• Race and policing
• Implicit bias
• De-escalation techniques
• Community engagement
• History of police-community relations
• Mental health crisis response

This focus on potential threats, combined with inadequate training in crucial social skills, can lead to officers approaching their communities with unwarranted fear and suspicion.

3. On patrol: Balancing empathy with bureaucracy in Washington D.C.'s poorest areas

"Patrol has no plot."

Unpredictable reality. Policing on the streets of D.C.'s poorest neighborhoods is a far cry from TV dramas. Officers face a constant stream of diverse calls, from domestic disputes to shoplifting, often dealing with the same individuals repeatedly. The work is often mundane, occasionally dangerous, and frequently heartbreaking.

Bureaucratic burden. A significant portion of an officer's time is consumed by paperwork and adhering to complex departmental procedures. This administrative load can detract from community engagement and proactive policing efforts. Brooks describes the constant struggle to balance empathy for community members with the need to follow rigid protocols and meet departmental expectations.

4. Race and policing: Systemic issues persist despite diverse police forces

"Racism seems like a nonissue to many street cops; it's baked so deeply into the system that it's invisible."

Persistent disparities. Despite increasing diversity within police departments, racial disparities in arrests, use of force, and incarceration rates persist. Brooks observes that even officers of color often internalize and perpetuate systemic biases.

Complex roots. The racial inequities in policing stem from:

• Historical segregation and discriminatory policies
• Concentrated poverty in minority neighborhoods
• Over-policing of low-income areas
• Implicit bias in individual officers and departmental policies
• Lack of economic opportunities in certain communities

Brooks argues that addressing these deep-rooted issues requires more than just diversifying police forces; it demands a comprehensive reevaluation of the entire criminal justice system.

5. Use of force: Training emphasizes officer safety over public safety

"Police officers are trained to view their first mission as preserving the lives of members of the public."

Misaligned priorities. Brooks argues that current police training overemphasizes officer safety at the expense of public safety. This mindset can lead to unnecessary escalation and use of force in ambiguous situations.

Reframing risk. She proposes a shift in police culture:

• Emphasize that officers voluntarily accept some level of risk as part of their job
• Prioritize the safety of community members in uncertain situations
• Train officers to be more comfortable with ambiguity and to de-escalate whenever possible
• Reevaluate legal standards that often excuse officer mistakes as "reasonable"

This approach could potentially reduce incidents of excessive force and improve community trust in law enforcement.

6. The criminal justice system: Often perpetuates cycles of poverty and crime

"Mostly, those arrests just made bad situations worse."

Counterproductive outcomes. Brooks observes that many arrests, particularly for minor offenses, often exacerbate underlying social issues rather than solving them. The criminal justice system frequently:

• Disrupts families and communities
• Creates barriers to employment and housing
• Fails to address root causes of criminal behavior (poverty, mental illness, addiction)
• Disproportionately impacts low-income and minority communities

Resource misallocation. The focus on arrests and incarceration diverts resources from more effective interventions like:

• Mental health services
• Addiction treatment
• Job training programs
• Education initiatives
• Community development

Brooks argues for a reimagining of the criminal justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation and community support over punitive measures.

7. Reform is possible: Creating spaces for dialogue and critical thinking in policing

"We shared a common belief in the magic that can occur when people are willing to ask each other hard questions."

Innovative program. Brooks and her colleagues at Georgetown Law create the "Police for Tomorrow" fellowship, bringing together new officers, academics, and criminal justice reformers to discuss critical issues in policing.

Bridging divides. The program aims to:

• Encourage critical thinking among young officers
• Foster dialogue between police and community advocates
• Address topics often neglected in traditional police training (implicit bias, poverty, mental health)
• Develop community-oriented projects led by officers

This initiative demonstrates the potential for collaboration between academia and law enforcement to drive meaningful reform and create more thoughtful, community-oriented policing practices.

Last updated: March 3, 2025