Promotions - Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles 2024 -

This relevant, vivid narrative recounts the history of corruption and police brutality in Oakland, CA. It follows a group of officers referred to as the "Riders," known for allegedly planting evidence, creating false reports, intimidation, unlawful searches, assaults, animal abuse, and even kidnapping. Although these activities were apparent to the communities subjected to their injustices, the Riders were ultimately exposed by a fellow officer. As Winston and BondGraham argue, the Riders were not simply rogue officers but reflected a problematic policing culture built on power, racism, and lack of accountability. They further dive into the historical connections between law enforcement and illicit activity in Oakland while also touching on key events and figures--e.g., Earl Warren, Jerry Brown, the Black Panther Party, Occupy Oakland--to provide broader context. After the Riders were reported, a series of lawsuits, trials, reforms, and oversights ensued. Despite new police leadership and continued federal oversight, however, it is clear that these changes have not completely corrected the course--new incidents of racism, assault, and sexual exploitation have arisen in the last decade, proving that Oakland faces a long and difficult path toward justice. This critical, relevant, and thorough narrative reaches beyond Oakland's borders to serve as an essential model for cases of systematic corruption and police brutality.Summing Up: Essential. General readers through faculty.