Hunting for “Dirtbags”: Why Cops Over-Police the Poor and Racial Minorities

by Lori Beth Way, Ryan Patten

This ethnographic study, which includes participant observation research and in-depth interviews with police officers in a major California city and a large East Coast city, explores how police officers use their discretionary time on the job—and the consequences. Providing highly textured insights into police discretion, the authors show that America’s “tough on crime” approach to justice has too often proved to be a smoke screen for controlling people deemed undesirable, rather than a genuinely effective strategy for reducing crime.

216 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 2013

Reviews

[Jay Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read on the subject Great insights that describes succinctly and clearly the nature of the problem and practical solutions forging a productive path forward. Chock full of great data. Highly recommended.

[Angela Corral]

Very interesting topic. Left me more aware of the struggle between minorities and police.