At the beginning of his new book Unwarranted: Policing Without Permission (see Maria Browning's review for Chapter 16), Barry Friedman cites a James Madison line from the Federalist Papers: “You must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.” It seems like the first part of Madison’s sentiment has largely come to fruition. While there are exceptions, the government is enabled to “control” us, in large part by employing armed police officers to patrol our towns and neighborhoods. The second part, however, comes into question more often. Who’s watching the watchmen? What’s interesting about Friedman’s argument is this: Although he reports on misconduct by police, he places the blame for our predicament on two parties, neither of which wears a badge — the courts, and us. You and me. The citizens, who Friedman says should play a larger role in determining how we are policed. It’s a topic that’s always been important but has local relevance as of late. Friedman will discuss the book. STEVEN HALE
Author Event With Barry Friedman, Author of Unwarranted: Policing Without Permission
