The Black and the Blue: A Cop Reveals the Crimes, Racism, and Injustice in America's Law Enforcement
Through gut-wrenching reportage, on-the-ground research, and personal accounts from interviews with police and government officials around the country, Horace presents an insider's examination of archaic police tactics. He dissects some of the nation's most highly publicized police shootings and communities to explain how these systems and tactics have hurt the people they serve, revealing the mistakes that have stoked racist policing, sky-high incarceration rates, and an epidemic of violence.
"Horace's authority as an experienced officer, as well as his obvious integrity and courage, provides the book with a gravitas." -- The Washington Post
"The Black and the Blue is an affirmation of the critical need for criminal justice reform, all the more urgent because itcomes from an insider who respects his profession yet is willing to reveal its flaws." -- USA Today
Reviews (33)
Awesome book
I think this needs to be read by everybody in the US. On that note, I hate that the people who need to read it the most, are among the people who are unwilling to even consider reading this book because they have decided they know everything there is to know on the subject.
Outstanding!!!
A MUST READ!!! A very honest and painful truth about the human race and our lack of understanding for one another no matter our race. This is a story everyone needs to read, embrace and discuss. We are at a very crucial time regarding our relationship with the police and their relationship with us. Time to have an open dialogue. This book can be the start!
Mic drop. A “must read” for all police officers
I’m a white veteran police officer (det/Sgt) that was raised in the same diverse area that I have policed for 24 years. I’m fortunate to work in an agency where our officers are professional to everyone and we are fairly selective in hiring and retention. However, what white officers don’t realize and therefore don’t “believe” because they don’t experience it themselves is the fact that these issues outlined by Horace DO exist. This book should absolutely, 100%, be required reading in every, single academy class throughout the nations. If I was still an FTO, I would consider assigning it to my recruits and if I was a patrol sergeant, I would be introducing excerpts of this during roll call trainings for discussion. It is simply that important to the profession of policing and the ALL of the people we took an oath to serve and protect.
interesting
This is one of those books you cannot put down until you read it to the end. It was very interesting.It is very scary to know how corruption does exist in the police force. The book also explains the reasoning behind a lot of black related killings that have been in the media. Some as simple as wrong identity and others because the victims were used as a gang initian stunt to get into a gang. I am surprised that there are so few reviews on this book, probably because it has not been publized. The only reason I know about it is because I was listening to a black talk show on the radio on Sirus. It is a very good book and well written!
Educational and Balanced
Eye opening book on the workings inside our police system. It was a balanced perspective and affirmed the need for reform. Reform is necessary for the good of the citizen AND the police working within a broken system. My heart for those in the policing community grew as I read - understanding what they have to work with and within. My heart for the communities also grew as I saw the impact excessive force and corrupt individuals of power have on the community. An educational read.
Matt Horace tells it like it is.
The best book written to date on the subject of excessive use of force by police on minority groups. Matt Horace, well respected in the law enforcement community at the local, state and federal level, tells it like it is from a personal perspective. A compelling and must read!
Valuable research
An objective, historical perspective from an expert. Horace’s research explained the unconscious bias and overt racism of some law enforcement officers. His explanation of how officers are put into the precarious position of responding to mental health emergencies was eye opening. He illuminated training practices and why reporting bad behavior comes with risks.
Tells you how we got to this point
Reveals the reality behind the major road points such as Ferguson, MO, and Chicago, rampant corruption, apathy on the part of communities, and forcing police to be the first response for everything. Also points out holding gangs and drug sellers and sellers responsible for their acts. Everyone came to something.
MUST READ
Black cop long experience on the force giving deep insight and personal experience and second hand retelling of various incidents from many higher ups in the ranks of the insanity. Its an easy read. Buy like six of them used and give them to cops
Well written truths
Disgusting story to tell but couldn’t have been written better. Authors go to great lengths to see both sides and expose the faults in the system. If only the right people would heed their findings.
