Police Use of Excessive Force against African Americans: Historical Antecedents and Community Perceptions [Hardcover]

Robertson and Chaney examine how the early antecedents of police brutality like plantation overseers, the lynching of African American males, early race riots, the Rodney King incident, and the Los Angeles Rampart Scandal have directly impacted the current relationship between communities of color and police. Using a phenomenological framework, they analyze how African American college students perceive police to determine how race, gender, and education create different realities among a demographic. Based on their qualitative and quantitative findings, Robertson and Chaney offer recommended policies and strategies for police and communities to improve relationships and perceptions between the two.

Ray V. Robertson is associate professor of sociology at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.



Cassandra D. Chaney is professor of child and family studies at Louisiana State University.

Authors Robertson (Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Univ.) and Chaney (Louisiana State Univ.) examine the phenomenon of police brutality through the lens of critical race theory, beginning with a discussion of the current sociopolitical milieu, in which groups such as Black Lives Matter insist that society not ignore the issue of governmental violence against black Americans. The book continues with a summary of the historical underpinnings of the belief system underlying this violence, ending with discussion of a project measuring college students' opinions on the subject. The authors preface their methodology by asking if any differences exist between how Black male and female college students perceive members of Law Enforcement. It is important to note that the text does not denigrate law enforcement. The book is dedicated to the victims of the misuse of force, but also to those law enforcement professionals who approach the profession with honor, dignity, professionalism, and respect, and to the families of fallen officers. Ultimately, the authl“Ë