Kendall Hunt Publishing has released a new book that delves into pressing 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 recent incidents and underlying factors contributing to disparities in law enforcement and judicial processes. The book uses real-world cases, such as the shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman killed by a White sheriff's deputy in her own home, to illustrate the critical need for improved cross-cultural understanding in law enforcement. Dr. Rogers, drawing from her background as both a former law enforcement officer and 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 compelling situations that set the stage for in-depth analysis of diversity issues. For instance, the "Licenses to Kill" chapter examines how both police and civilians can sometimes use force or stand-your-ground laws to fatal effect against marginalized individuals, referencing high-profile cases like the murders of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery. The publication covers a wide range of topics, including how crime-related stereotypes influence attitudes and policies towards certain groups, the impact of criminal justice responses on rape reporting, and the effects of societal views on hate crimes motivated by various prejudices. It also addresses how failures to recognize and properly respond to mental health crises can lead to excessive force incidents.
Designed in a workshop format, the book aims to facilitate self-awareness of unconscious bias, provide conversation starters for open discussions, and offer activities to identify and implement strategies for mitigating disparities in the criminal justice system. This structure makes it particularly valuable for college professors, police academy instructors, and consultants providing training to criminal justice professionals. The flexibility of the content allows educators to select topics and activities that align with specific learning objectives, whether for online or in-person environments. Moreover, the book is positioned as a lasting reference guide, distinguishing itself from previous works by focusing on present issues and future-oriented approaches rather than solely historical context.
Dr. Rogers' work emphasizes the development of cultural competency, guiding readers towards self-regulation and practical solutions. In an era where social injustice in the criminal justice system is increasingly under scrutiny, this publication offers a comprehensive resource for preparing the current generation to work towards a fairer and more equitable system. The release of "Think, Talk and Tackle: Contemporary Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice" comes at a time when discussions about reform and equity in law enforcement are at the forefront of national discourse. By providing a structured approach to understanding and addressing diversity issues, the book aims to contribute to meaningful change in how criminal justice professionals approach their work and interact with diverse communities. Kendall Hunt, a privately owned educational publishing company with a history dating back to 1944, continues its tradition of providing innovative educational resources with this latest publication. The company's commitment to combining quality content with a consultative approach to publishing is evident in the release of Dr. Rogers' book, which addresses one of the most pressing issues in contemporary criminal justice education and practice.
