Code Switch

How the news can make us think we need more policing

18 snips
Jun 11, 2025
Alec Karakasanas, the director of Equal Justice Under the Law and author of "Copaganda," dives deep into the concept of pro-police propaganda. He discusses how media sensationalism has skewed public perception of crime, leading to a withdrawal of support for police reform. By reflecting on the protests post-George Floyd's death, he sheds light on the disconnect between policing ideals and reality. Karakasanas also critiques how coverage priorities obscure systemic issues, urging a reevaluation of narratives surrounding crime and safety.
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INSIGHT

The Myth of 'Protect and Serve'

  • The slogan 'to protect and serve' was originally a PR campaign by the LAPD in the 1950s.
  • The Supreme Court ruled police are not legally obligated to protect individuals, questioning the slogan's validity.
INSIGHT

Distorted Crime Perception

  • News overemphasizes violent and visible crimes, underreporting larger harms like wage theft and tax evasion.
  • This selective coverage distorts public perception, making crime seem worse than it is.
INSIGHT

The Propaganda of Policing Solutions

  • Propaganda promotes the false idea that more policing and punishment are the solution to fears about crime.
  • Evidence points to social issues like inequality and poverty as real causes of violence, not increased policing.
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