Alex Vitale

Alex Vitale, a sociologist at Brooklyn College and author of "The End of Policing," argues for a rethinking of public safety that goes beyond hiring more police. He critiques the reliance on increased security measures in schools, advocating for community-based solutions and mental health resources instead. Vitale introduces innovative strategies like Cure Violence, emphasizing the need for addressing root causes of violence. His insights challenge the traditional views on policing and highlight the importance of uplifting communities to create safer spaces.

Mark Maguire, an anthropology professor at Maynooth University, and Setha Low, a psychology and anthropology expert at CUNY, join sociologist Alex Vitale to discuss the troubling rise of 'security capitalism.' They explore how our fear of crime drives consumer behavior, creating a paradox where perceived safety yields increased anxiety and isolation, particularly in gated communities. The conversation questions the effectiveness of surveillance technologies and advocates for community-led safety solutions that foster social solidarity, dispelling the notion that more security equals less fear.

Anatol Lieven, Eurasia director at the Quincy Institute, and Alex Vitale, Professor of Sociology at Brooklyn College, dive into the unpredictable world of Trump's potential policies. They analyze the challenges of his foreign appointments and the implications for U.S.-China relations and military strategy. Vitale discusses how Trump's stance could influence crime rates and policing, pointing to historical trends and the role of organized retail theft. The conversation highlights the urgent need for community-based approaches amid rising tensions.

Five ex-police officers have been charged with second-degree murder after beating Tyre Nichols, 29, who was black, during a traffic stop in Memphis, Tennessee. He died three days later.Nichols’ death has sparked protests and fresh calls for reform of the police in Memphis and nationwide. Over the past years, the US has been in the spotlight for police brutality. Public outcry against the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks - to name a few - at the hands of the police led to Black Lives Matter protests across the globe. It's not just the US grappling with the problem of police brutality. We take a global look at the problem. Which countries are getting it right? Can policing ever be effective without violence? And is reform or a more radical rethink needed?Ritula Shah is joined by: Dr DeLacy Davis is the founder of Black Cops Against Police Brutality and the author of Black Cops Against Police Brutality: A Crisis Action Plan. He is a retired New Jersey police sergeant who served for 20 years in the East Orange police department and commanded the Community Services Unit. Alex Vitale is a Professor of Sociology at Brooklyn College - part of the City University of New York. He is also the coordinator of the Policing and Social Justice Project at Brooklyn College and the author of a number of books including The End of Policing Zoha Waseem is Assistant Professor in Criminology at the Department of Sociology, University of Warwick and author of Insecure Guardians: Enforcement, Encounters and Everyday Policing in Postcolonial KarachiAlso featuring:Rune Glomseth, Associate Professor at Norway’s Police University College in Oslo

In this episode, Alex Vitale, a sociology professor at Brooklyn College and author of 'The End of Policing,' dives into the urgent conversation around police reform and defunding initiatives, inspired by recent protests. He discusses practical implications of these movements and contrasts policing methods in the U.S. and Europe, particularly in handling mental health crises. The discussion also touches on the optimistic market trends driven by potential federal economic support and highlights the notable Royalty Pharma IPO.