My new book, Policing the Progressive City: Portland, Oregon, from Settlement to Uprising, recounts the history of policing in Portland, from the time of initial colonization through to the immediate aftermath of the George Floyd riots. It documents the persistence of racism, corruption, and violence within policing, and recounts numerous attempts at progressive reform — arguing finally that reform will never be enough. Indeed, the city’s “progressive” culture is instead deeply enmeshed with state violence.
The book will be officially released next month, but if you order it from me you can get it a bit sooner. It costs $24, inclusive of postage.
“A searing and masterful case study of the history and politics of policing. An essential read for anyone who wants to understand the true nature and function of the police institution and why we should be doing everything we can to dismantle it.” —Alex S. Vitale, author of The End of Policing
“A courageous intervention that forces us to recognize how the ‘progress’ narrative has expanded and entrenched state violence. Readers far beyond Portland will benefit from this history of expansionist police reform.” —Maya Schenwar, author of Prison by Any Other Name
“An incredible, detailed history. . . . A must read for anyone trying to understand why changing the culture of policing is so difficult and why police consistently push back on change.” —Jo Ann Hardesty, former Portland City Council member
