As the Trump administration continues to challenge the limits of the Constitution, one expert is urging us to examine a key factor in the push towards authoritarianism: urban policing. Johns Hopkins Professor Lester Spence argues that we must understand the role of policing in fueling this trend, in order to effectively address and resist it.

In recent years, we have seen a rise in authoritarianism and a push towards a more authoritarian style of governing. From the Trump administration’s use of executive power to bypass Congress, to the blatant disregard for the rule of law and attacks on the free press, the foundations of our democracy are being shaken. But amidst all of this chaos, there is one aspect that often goes unnoticed – the role of urban policing.

Professor Spence, who teaches political science and Africana studies at Johns Hopkins University, argues that urban policing has been a neglected but crucial factor in the rise of authoritarianism. In an interview with NPR, he stated, “We tend to think of authoritarianism as being about strong leaders who take over the government and rule by decree, but I think we also need to understand authoritarianism as a process that’s rooted in the culture, and urban policing is a part of that culture.”

So how exactly does urban policing contribute to authoritarianism? One of the ways is through the use of excessive force and brutality towards marginalized communities. The rise of the Black Lives Matter movement has shed light on the systemic racism and violence embedded in our policing system, particularly towards communities of color. This not only erodes trust between the police and the communities they serve, but also reinforces the idea of a powerful, dominant force that can act with impunity.

Furthermore, the expansion of the police state has also been a contributing factor. In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the militarization of police forces, with the use of military-grade equipment and tactics. This not only creates an us-vs-them mentality, but also gives police officers a sense of power and control that can easily be abused.

But perhaps the most alarming aspect is the use of technology and surveillance. With the advancement of technology, we have seen an increase in the use of surveillance tools, such as facial recognition and predictive policing. The widespread use of these technologies not only violates our right to privacy, but also creates a culture of constant monitoring and control. This can have a chilling effect on free speech and dissent, as individuals are aware that they are being watched and may be punished for speaking out against the government.

So why haven’t we paid more attention to the role of urban policing in the rise of authoritarianism? Professor Spence argues that it is due to a lack of understanding and the normalization of policing tactics. He points out that urban policing is often seen as a necessary and legitimate tool for maintaining law and order, ignoring the harmful effects it has on marginalized communities and our democracy as a whole.

But it is not too late to address this issue. Professor Spence calls for a deeper examination of urban policing and a reimagining of what safety and security truly mean for our communities. This includes investing in community-based solutions and rethinking the role of police in our society. It also means holding police accountable for their actions and addressing the systemic racism ingrained in our policing system.

In order to effectively resist authoritarianism, we must understand and confront all of its sources. Urban policing may not be the only factor, but it is certainly a significant one. It is time for us to listen to voices like Professor Spence’s and take action to address this crucial issue. Our democracy depends on it.