Citizens, Suspects, and Enemies: Examining Police Militarization

Concern about the increasing militarization of police has grown in recent years. Much this concern focuses on material aspects militarization: greater use military equipment and tactics by officers. While development deserves attention, a subtler form operates cultural level. Here, adopt an adversarial stance toward minority communities, whose members are regarded as presumptive objects suspicion. The combination turn potential symbolic dimension. It can communicate that communities threats to society, just enemies United States. This conception racial ethnic minorities treats them outside social contract rather than fellow citizens. also conceives role comparable, thus blurring disturbing way distinction between law enforcement national security operations.