New Book Examines Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice System

Kendall Hunt Publishing has released a new book that aims to shed light on critical diversity issues within the criminal justice system. Titled "Think, Talk and Tackle: Contemporary Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice," the publication by Dr. June Werdlow Rogers explores how cultural misunderstandings and unconscious biases can lead to tragic outcomes in law enforcement interactions.

The book uses real-world examples, such as the recent shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman killed by a white sheriff's deputy in her own home, to illustrate how a lack of cultural competency can escalate situations unnecessarily. Dr. Rogers, drawing from her background as both a former law enforcement officer and a criminologist, argues that many poor outcomes in criminal justice stem from an inability to accurately interpret situations across cultural lines.

Each chapter of the book begins with a compelling case study that sets the stage for in-depth examination of diversity issues. For instance, one chapter titled "Licenses to Kill" delves into how certain legal doctrines, such as use of force policies and stand-your-ground laws, can disproportionately impact marginalized communities. The book references high-profile cases like the murders of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery to illustrate these points.

The publication covers a wide range of pertinent topics, including how stereotypes about crime influence attitudes and policies towards certain groups, the impact of criminal justice responses on the underreporting of rape, and how societal views contribute to hate crimes motivated by various prejudices. It also examines how failures to recognize and properly respond to mental health crises can result in excessive use of force by law enforcement.

Structured in a workshop format, "Think, Talk and Tackle: Contemporary Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice" is designed to promote self-awareness of crime-related unconscious biases, facilitate meaningful discussions, and motivate readers to identify strategies for mitigating disparities in the criminal justice system. This approach makes the book particularly valuable for college professors, police academy instructors, and consultants providing training to criminal justice professionals.

The publication's flexible format allows educators to select from various topics and activities to match specific learning objectives, whether in online or in-person environments. It aims to be more than just a textbook, serving as a reference guide that readers can return to throughout their careers.

Dr. Rogers' work stands out from previous writings on diversity by focusing on present-day issues and future-oriented solutions, rather than solely historical depictions of marginalization. The book seeks to promote cultural competency by guiding readers towards self-regulation and providing practical solutions to address social injustice in the criminal justice system.

As issues of racial justice and police reform continue to dominate national discourse, "Think, Talk and Tackle: Contemporary Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice" offers a timely and crucial resource for those seeking to understand and address systemic problems in law enforcement and the broader criminal justice system. By combining academic rigor with real-world applications, the book aims to equip the current generation of criminal justice professionals with the tools needed to work towards a more fair and equitable system.