Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Mike German and Beth Zasloff's Policing White Supremacy: The Enemy Within isn't just a timely read; it's a chillingly essential one. It pulls back the curtain on a deeply uncomfortable truth: the insidious and persistent presence of white supremacist ideology within law enforcement itself. This isn't your typical exposé of rogue cops or isolated incidents. German and Zasloff meticulously lay out a systemic problem, tracing the historical roots of this infiltration and demonstrating its contemporary manifestations with alarming clarity.

What sets this book apart is its unflinching focus on the internal threat. While many discussions of policing and racism center on external interactions with communities of color, Policing White Supremacy shines a light on the enemy within the ranks. The authors don't just point fingers; they dissect the mechanisms that allow these extremist ideologies to flourish within police culture, from recruitment practices that inadvertently attract individuals with biased leanings to the "blue wall of silence" that protects those who express or act on these beliefs. They delve into the ways this internal radicalization undermines the very foundations of impartial policing, compromising investigations, eroding public trust, and ultimately endangering the lives of the very people officers are sworn to protect.
The book isn't merely a catalog of horrors, however. It offers concrete, actionable recommendations for reform. German and Zasloff move beyond simply identifying the problem to proposing solutions, including robust vetting procedures, mandatory training on extremism, and mechanisms for accountability that transcend internal police investigations. They argue compellingly for a shift in culture, one that actively rejects white supremacist ideology and prioritizes the protection of all communities.

While the subject matter is heavy and at times deeply disturbing, Policing White Supremacy is a remarkably accessible read. The writing is clear and concise, avoiding jargon and presenting complex information in a digestible way. The authors' expertise, combined with their evident passion for justice, makes for a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

This book is NOT comfortable reading. It challenges our assumptions about law enforcement and forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about the systems we trust to protect us. But it is precisely this discomfort that makes it so vital. Policing White Supremacy iS a call to action. It’s a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of policing, the integrity of our justice system, and the very soul of our democracy. It's a book that deserves to be read, discussed, and acted upon.

I requested this book after attending a webinar hosted by a former officer who worked undercover to investigate white supremacists. I learned a lot about what they are doing in real life, not online. I learned about which clothes they wear and how they talk to one another. I am so aware of what I am doing now because I do not want to signal to any of them that I might be... I don't know, an ally.

This book starts with an explanation of the insurrection on January 6th. That was a traumatizing time.
I had to take a lot of breaks while reading this book. While I am white, and likely won't be a target, I have POC children I care for, and other family members. I have a lots of friends and neighbors I love too. Plus terrorism should scare everyone.

I have been terrified of "thin blue line" people for years and this book helped me understand why. This is really good but it s a heavy read. You need to really be in the right headspace for it,