The idea of police "reform" has been tried and has failed. Rather than call for milquetoast reforms that leave the structure of U.S. law enforcement in place, many of the protestors are calling to "defund the police." Michael is joined by Alex S. Vitale, author of "The End of Policing" to explain what this means, how this works, any why settling for half-measures will result in more police violence against Black Americans.

Download Alex's book "The End of Policing" for free:

https://www.versobooks.com/books/2426-the-end-of-policing

The answer to police violence is not 'reform'. It's defunding. Here's why

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/31/the-answer-to-police-violence-is-not-reform-its-defunding-heres-why

Music from the episode:

Police Academy theme song:

https://youtu.be/AKlx8UMDC4w