In a thought-provoking discussion, Ted Rutland, an Associate Professor at Concordia University, explores the transformation of policing in Canada from the mid-20th century to counterinsurgency urbanism. He critiques community policing, revealing how it often masks systemic violence while reinforcing control over marginalized communities. Rutland also delves into the effects of neoliberalism and white nationalism on urban governance, illustrating the complex dynamics between urban development and policing strategies that maintain societal order amidst unrest.
The transition from professional policing to counterinsurgency urbanism reveals tactical strategies aimed at selective community engagement and targeted repression.
Neoliberal policies have exacerbated social inequalities, influencing urban governance to prioritize capital accumulation over community welfare and social justice.
The intertwining of community policing with white and ethnic nationalism signifies the dangers of repressive frameworks masquerading as community-focused initiatives.
Deep dives
Historical Evolution of Policing
Policing in Canada transitioned from a professional model in the mid-20th century to community policing in the 1970s and 80s, significantly influenced by urban rebellions and radical movements. The shift aimed to reduce the distance between police and communities, implementing programs such as multicultural training and community engagement through foot patrols. However, this change was not a true reform but rather a tactic to win support from certain community segments while maintaining repressive practices against others. Scholars argue that community policing acts as a velvet glove covering the enduring violent and oppressive nature of policing, indicating that it reinforced traditional policing methods rather than transforming them.
Counterinsurgency Strategies in Urban Policymaking
Counterinsurgency urbanism emerged as police began to adapt military strategies to urban settings, focusing on winning over local populations while suppressing dissent. The relationship between community outreach and counterinsurgency is critical, as community policing was restructured to identify potential allies within communities to counteract opposition. The police's efforts to establish connections often operated alongside intensified repression against those deemed disloyal or criminalized. This dual approach illustrates how policing shifted from merely managing crime to becoming a comprehensive operation focused on controlling urban populations.
Neoliberal Policies and Their Impact on Urban Dynamics
Neoliberal policies contributed to the economic and social crises facing cities, as urban governance began prioritizing capital accumulation over social welfare. The Montreal Citizens Movement, with its initial focus on progressive local governance, shifted toward adopting neoliberal strategies, including enhancements to public security through community policing. This transformation coincided with rising unemployment and growing inequality, particularly affecting racialized communities in urban areas. The drive for capital accumulation often resulted in a contradictory urban environment, where social reforms coexisted with punitive policing practices targeting marginalized populations.
Intersection of Community Policing and Racialized Nationalism
The rise of white and ethnic nationalism in Canada during the 1980s significantly shaped policing and community dynamics, as new immigrants faced systemic discrimination. Liberal politicians began to adopt the discourse of ethno-racial incompatibility, presenting policies that appeased nationalist sentiments while ignoring broader structural inequalities. Police organizations maintained close ties with these nationalist movements, often reinforcing violent and oppressive frameworks in response to both racialized groups and community dissent. This context highlights the dangers of relying on community policing as a means to address deeper societal issues while simultaneously enacting repressive measures against marginalized groups.
Implications of Municipal Governance on Policing
The Montreal Citizens Movement's rise in the late 1980s symbolizes the complexities of attempting to enact progressive change within a social framework increasingly dominated by neoliberal priorities. Despite initial intentions to promote decentralized governance and community participation, their policies often fell short, resulting in the expansion of repressive policing measures. The struggle to balance community engagement with the demands of capital accumulation showcased the limitations within urban governance when faced with societal crises. Eventually, this shift led to the emergence of policing practices that were not only punitive but also framed as necessary for a secure urban environment.
The Dangers of Counterinsurgency Approaches
Counterinsurgency as a framework for urban governance underscores the need for a critical analysis of policing and community dynamics. The blending of supportive initiatives with punitive measures places pressure on communities, particularly those already marginalized, creating divisions and perpetuating cycles of violence. This approach also raises uncomfortable questions regarding collaboration with groups that may inadvertently reinforce state narratives and policies, challenging movements aiming for transformative change. As urban contexts evolve, recognizing the implications of counterinsurgency on community relationships remains essential for future advocacy efforts.
In this episode, recorded mid-2024, we speak with Ted Rutland about the evolution of policing from the mid-20th century's professional model to the counterinsurgency urbanism that emerged in the 1970s and 80s in Canada. Rutland discusses how community policing, initially intended to bring police closer to communities through multicultural training and social services, became a strategy to win over parts of the community while waging a larger war against the rest. We delve into some of the historical shifts in policing largely as a response to radical movements and urban rebellions. We also examine the role of progressive urban governments in maintaining counterinsurgency policing, the impact of neoliberal policies, and the influence of white nationalism in shaping urban governance. Ted and I further explore the concept of counterinsurgency urbanism, showing how it has become central to not just policing but city-making processes in its entirety where supportive and punitive measures are blended in order to maintain control over urban populations. Ted Rutland is an associate professor of geography and urban studies at Concordia University in Montreal. His research explores how capitalism and white supremacy intersect in contemporary urban politics, planning, and policing. He is the author of Displacing Blackness: Planning, Power, and Race in Twentieth-Century Halifax and the co-author (with Maxime Aurélien) of Out to Defend Ourselves: A History of Montreal's First Haitian Street Gang. This episode was produced and edited by Aidan Elias & Jared Ware. Music by Televangel. To support our work contribute to our patreon at patreon.com/millennialsarekillingcapitalism!COUNTER-INSURGENCY URBANISM (Draft chapter from in-progress book)
