Police Brutality: A National Debate

Jeanne Triner

The author uses the Rodney King affair through the first trial and acquittal as the central example in his discussion of police brutality, its definition, causes, and possible solutions. His concise newsroom-style report leaves no doubt that he gives little credence to the argument that sometimes police are justified in using force to protect themselves and society. Seeing racism on the part of accused officers and the all-white juries that often acquit them as the heart of the problem, Bornstein lists lax enforcement of policies and procedures, the officers' code of silence, and habitually violent "problem officers" among the contributing factors. Well written and nicely organized with easy-to-follow chapter headings and subheadings, this is an interesting presentation of some of the historical material and a good introduction to one viewpoint on the topic. Photos, an index, and a reading list all add to its value as a starting-point reference tool, but additional reading is necessary for a more well rounded view.