Behind the Bastards

How The First Police Went From Gangsters, To An Army For The Rich

Jun 18, 2020
Jason Petty, a hip-hop artist known as Propaganda, dives into the complex origins of American policing. He discusses how early police systems emerged to protect the interests of the wealthy, rather than serving communities. The conversation highlights the troubling histories of racial profiling and systemic bias, particularly impacting marginalized groups. Petty humorously links politics to gang culture while advocating for genuine reform and accountability in law enforcement. His insights reveal the intertwined relationship between labor rights and the evolution of policing in America.
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ANECDOTE

Broad Street Riot

  • The Broad Street Riot, involving Irish immigrants and US-born Protestants, led to the creation of the Boston police.
  • This riot highlighted ethnic tensions and the need for a police force.
INSIGHT

Shifting the Burden

  • Establishing police shifted the cost of protecting capital from capitalists to the community.
  • This formalized law enforcement, replacing public spirit with incentives and deterrents.
INSIGHT

For-Profit Law Enforcement

  • Early law enforcement was a for-profit endeavor, not about public safety.
  • Constables and deputies exploited their positions for personal gain, selling services and demanding rewards.
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