Think, Talk and Tackle: Contemporary Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice, a recently released publication by Kendall Hunt Publishing, delves into the critical issue of cultural disparities in the criminal justice system. Authored by Dr. June Werdlow Rogers, a former law enforcement officer turned criminologist, the book aims to shed light on the underlying factors that lead to poor criminal justice outcomes, particularly when cultural nuances are misunderstood or ignored.
The book addresses alarming incidents such as the tragic case of Sonya Massey, a Black woman who was fatally shot by a White sheriff's deputy, Sean Grayson, in her own home. Dr. Rogers argues that a better understanding of cultural contexts, such as the spiritual invocation “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” could potentially prevent such fatal outcomes. This phrase, while significant in some communities, is often misinterpreted as a threat by those unfamiliar with its cultural connotations.
Each chapter of Think, Talk and Tackle: Contemporary Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice begins with compelling real-life situations to frame the discussion on diversity issues. For instance, the chapter titled 'Licenses to Kill' explores how both police and civilians can use force or stand-your-ground laws to justify the killing of marginalized individuals, citing the murders of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery as poignant examples.
Tracey DeBrincat, Senior Acquisitions Editor at Kendall Hunt Publishing, recalls her initial meeting with Dr. Rogers and being captivated by her firsthand experiences and stories. This meeting solidified the necessity for Dr. Rogers to share her insights through this book, which aims to educate and provoke thought around the vital issue of diversity in criminal justice.
The publication covers a wide array of pertinent topics, including the impact of crime-related stereotyping on policies and behaviors towards different groups, the underreporting of rape due to criminal justice responses, and the prevalence of violent hate crimes motivated by various prejudices. Additionally, it addresses how misinterpretations of mental health crises can lead to excessive force and fatalities.
Designed in a workshop format, the book encourages readers to engage in self-reflection on unconscious biases (Think), initiate meaningful conversations (Talk), and participate in activities that promote strategies to mitigate disparities in criminal justice (Tackle). This approach supports effective teaching and learning in both academic and practical settings.
Dr. Rogers' background as a law enforcement officer and criminologist adds significant credibility and depth to the book. Think, Talk and Tackle: Contemporary Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice is particularly valuable for college professors, police academy instructors, and consultants providing in-service training to criminal justice professionals. The book's flexible format allows educators to select topics and activities that align with their learning objectives, making it a versatile resource for both online and in-person environments.
By promoting cultural competency, the publication aims to guide readers towards recognizing and addressing social injustices. Think, Talk and Tackle: Contemporary Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice provides practical solutions and insights, making it a crucial tool for those committed to achieving a fair and equitable criminal justice system.
