Minister Purbaya, Indonesia’s fiscal gatekeeper and part-time buzzkill, has politely told the Whoosh train to take a hike—preferably on foot. “Not today, budget buster,” he muttered, sipping his economic tea. The internet peanut gallery erupted in applause, hailing Purbaya as the nation’s new financial Gandalf.Whoosh will take over a century to pay off. The Termuls—Jokowi’s loyal entourage and unofficial hype squad—once treated the Whoosh train like their personal trophy cabinet. “No boarding unless you voted correctly,” they seemed to say, guarding the carriage like it was Buckingham Palace.Now that the bills are piling up faster than the train itself, the public’s saying: “Oi, if it was your victory parade, then kindly foot the tab yourselves.” After all, Jokowi did promise the state budget wouldn’t be the sugar daddy of this high-speed drama. Time to pass the invoice to the Termul fan club and their beloved shepherd. If they don't want to, Jokowi deserves to be tried.Meanwhile, a senior police official refused to step down from his post, citing his mates’ casual consensus that resignation was unnecessary. When he asked, “Should I resign?”, they simply said, “Naah, you’re good.” Apparently, national accountability now runs on group chat vibes.The End of Policing by Alex S. Vitale, published in 2017 by Verso, is a critical examination of contemporary law enforcement in the United States. Vitale argues that policing, rather than serving as a neutral force for public safety, functions as a tool of social control that perpetuates systemic inequalities related to race, class, gender, and sexuality. He traces the origins of modern policing to its historical roles in enforcing slavery, colonialism, and the suppression of workers' rights movements, suggesting that these foundational purposes continue to influence police practices today. Vitale contends that reforms such as body cameras, diversity initiatives, and enhanced training are insufficient, as they fail to address the underlying issues inherent in the institution of policing itself. Instead, he advocates for a radical reimagining of public safety, proposing the decriminalisation of certain activities like drug use and sex work, and the allocation of resources towards social services such as housing, education, and mental health care. Vitale's work has contributed to the broader abolitionist discourse, challenging conventional perspectives on crime and justice.
Vitale delves into why traditional efforts to reform police forces often fall short. He explains that reforms such as better training, hiring more diverse officers, implementing body cameras, or encouraging community policing are limited in their impact because they do not challenge the fundamental role of the police in society. Vitale argues that policing, at its core, functions to maintain social hierarchies and manage inequality rather than primarily to protect public safety. Thus, attempts to fix problems within the police without addressing these structural functions are unlikely to succeed. Vitale advocates for a radical rethinking: instead of relying on policing as the main tool to solve social problems, societies should invest in social programs that tackle poverty, inadequate education, and insufficient mental health services. By redirecting resources from policing to social support systems, communities can achieve safer, fairer, and more equitable outcomes.
Vitale emphasises that the issues attributed to police misconduct or failure are not merely the result of individual officers' mistakes, poor training, or lack of resources. Instead, Vitale argues that the very institution of policing is designed in a way that inherently produces inequality, enforces social hierarchies, and manages marginalised populations rather than primarily protecting public safety. In other words, the systemic and structural nature of policing—its historical roots in controlling enslaved populations, suppressing labour movements, and maintaining social order—means that problems are embedded within the institution itself. Efforts to reform or tweak the system without fundamentally questioning or restructuring it cannot resolve these deep-rooted issues. Vitale advocates for redirecting attention and resources toward social services, education, housing, and health care, rather than relying on policing as the primary solution to social problems.There has been criticism of Alex S. Vitale's ideas, particularly from those who argue that his perspective underestimates the complexity of maintaining public safety. Critics suggest that while policing does have systemic issues, completely eliminating the police could leave communities vulnerable to violence, organised crime, and emergencies that require rapid, coordinated responses. Some scholars and practitioners argue for a more balanced approach, combining structural reforms within policing with robust social programs, rather than total abolition. They claim that policing, despite its flaws, still plays an essential role in addressing immediate threats and enforcing laws that protect vulnerable populations. Vitale himself acknowledges that the goal is not an overnight disappearance of police but a gradual reallocation of responsibilities and resources toward preventive and community-based solutions.The main message that Alex S. Vitale seeks to convey in The End of Policing is that the institution of policing, as it currently exists, is fundamentally flawed and cannot be fully reformed through incremental changes or surface-level adjustments. Vitale argues that policing is not simply a neutral tool for public safety but a mechanism historically and structurally designed to enforce social hierarchies and manage marginalized populations. He emphasises that attempts to fix problems by improving training, increasing diversity, or implementing new technologies fail to address these systemic issues. Instead, Vitale advocates for a radical rethinking of public safety, urging societies to reduce reliance on policing and invest in social services such as housing, education, healthcare, and mental health support. The ultimate goal is to create communities that are safer, fairer, and more equitable by tackling the root causes of social problems rather than merely managing their symptoms through law enforcement.
Vitale offers a critical analysis of the role of police in society. Vitale contends that the expansion of police powers and the adoption of military-style tactics are not solutions to social problems but are symptomatic of deeper systemic issues. He advocates for a reimagining of public safety that moves away from punitive measures and towards community-based approaches.
Generally speaking, police forces around the world have historically been influenced by military structures and principles. Many modern policing systems adopted a hierarchical chain of command, rigid rank structures, and paramilitary training from the military. This influence is evident in aspects such as discipline, uniforms, weaponry, and the use of tactical units, which are often modelled on military units. However, the extent of military influence can vary widely depending on the country, the historical context, and the mission of the police, with some forces emphasising community engagement and civil service more than militaristic methods. Essentially, while police are meant to serve and protect civilian populations, their operational culture often mirrors that of armed forces.The purpose of the police, even if influenced by military structures, is fundamentally different from that of the military. Police exist to maintain law and order, protect citizens, prevent crime, and enforce laws within a civilian context, rather than engage in warfare or defend national borders. Ideally, a policing system should balance discipline and organisation with a strong emphasis on community service, transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights. While certain aspects of military training, such as discipline and tactical skills, can be useful, police should not fully adopt a militaristic mindset, because their legitimacy and effectiveness depend on public trust and cooperation. In essence, police are armed civilians tasked with safeguarding society, and their authority should be exercised with restraint and in line with civil law, not as an extension of military power.Radley Balko asserts that while the United States has not yet become a full-fledged police state, it is perilously close. He highlights the alarming frequency of militarised police raids, often targeting non-violent offenders, and the widespread adoption of military-grade equipment by local police forces. Balko warns that this trend undermines civil liberties and erodes the foundational principles of a free society. He calls for a reevaluation of policing practices, advocating for a return to community-oriented law enforcement that respects individual rights and prioritises public trust over militaristic approaches.In many countries, police forces adopt a rank structure that closely resembles the military hierarchy, with clearly defined levels of authority, titles, and responsibilities. Typically, the structure starts with entry-level officers or constables, who carry out day-to-day policing tasks, and progresses through non-commissioned ranks, such as sergeants or inspectors, up to commissioned officers like superintendents or commissioners. Some police forces, particularly in countries with a history of military influence or centralised governance, maintain strict military-style ranks, uniforms, and protocols, emphasising chain of command, discipline, and formalised procedures. The rationale is often to ensure order, accountability, and coordinated action during complex operations. However, other countries adopt a more civilian-oriented approach, with flatter hierarchies, flexible roles, and a stronger focus on community engagement rather than rigid command structures. Essentially, the rank system in policing can vary between militarised and civilian models, reflecting the historical, cultural, and operational priorities of the country.
Rise of the Warrior Cop: The Militarization of America's Police Forces by Radley Balko (2013, PublicAffairs) traces the historical evolution of policing in America, highlighting how the War on Drugs, the War on Terror, and federal funding have led to the adoption of military-grade equipment and tactics by local police departments. He argues that this militarisation has transformed police officers into "warriors" rather than community protectors, raising concerns about civil liberties and the erosion of democratic values.Radley Balko addresses the urgent need for comprehensive police reform in response to the increasing militarisation of law enforcement agencies. He highlights the detrimental effects of this militarisation, including the erosion of civil liberties, the blurring of lines between police officers and soldiers, and the disproportionate impact on minority communities. Balko argues that the current system incentivises aggressive tactics and prioritises military-style operations over community engagement and de-escalation strategies. He calls for a shift towards a policing model that emphasises accountability, transparency, and a commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens. While acknowledging the challenges in implementing such reforms, Balko suggests that public awareness and advocacy are crucial in driving change and restoring trust in law enforcement institutions.Policing Empires: Militarization, Race, and the Imperial Boomerang in Britain and the U.S. by Julian Go (2024, Oxford University Press), examines the historical connections between imperialism and domestic policing, arguing that the militarisation of police forces in both the U.S. and the UK is deeply rooted in colonial practices. He explores how colonial tactics and ideologies have been internalised and applied in urban policing, particularly in marginalised communities.Go examines how imperial practices abroad influenced domestic policing in both Britain and the United States. He introduces the concept of the "imperial boomerang," suggesting that techniques and ideologies developed in colonial contexts were brought back to metropolitan centres and applied to manage perceived internal threats, particularly from racialised or immigrant populations. Go illustrates this by discussing how, in the late 19th century, the Metropolitan Police in London adopted militarised tactics to control Irish immigrants, who were racialised as disorderly and criminal. Similarly, in the United States, figures like August Vollmer, who had served in the Philippines during the American colonial period, imported counterinsurgency methods to combat urban crime, especially among non-white communities. Go argues that these practices were not anomalies but part of a broader pattern where colonial policing methods were adapted for domestic use, reinforcing racial hierarchies and militarised control. He contends that understanding this historical connection is crucial to addressing contemporary issues of police militarisation and racial injustice.Julian Go underscores the enduring impact of colonialism on contemporary policing practices. He reiterates that the militarisation of police forces in both Britain and the United States is not a recent development but a historical process rooted in imperial legacies. Go emphasises that the "imperial boomerang" effect—whereby colonial policing methods are brought back to the metropole—continues to shape domestic law enforcement strategies. He argues that this phenomenon is particularly evident in the policing of racialised communities, where tactics developed for controlling colonised populations are applied to manage perceived threats from minorities and immigrants. Go concludes by advocating for a critical examination of the intertwined histories of empire and policing, suggesting that understanding this connection is essential for addressing issues of police militarisation and racial injustice today.Leonard Jason-Lloyd, in An Introduction to Policing and Police Powers (2000, Cavendish Publishing), conveys several crucial ideas aimed at reforming and improving policing in modern democratic societies. He argues that genuine reform begins with redefining the relationship between the police and the public. For him, policing must evolve from a model of control and coercion to one of partnership and accountability. He stresses that the police cannot be effective if they are perceived as a force imposed upon the people; they must instead be seen as an extension of the community — a public service built on consent, trust, and mutual respect.Jason-Lloyd also underscores the importance of continuous legal and ethical education for police officers. He believes that professional competence alone is insufficient without a strong moral compass. To reform policing, therefore, officers must understand not only what the law allows them to do, but also what justice demands they refrain from doing. Reform, in his view, is not just a matter of changing procedures but of transforming attitudes — from authority-driven behaviour to citizen-centred service.Furthermore, he highlights transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights as the cornerstones of any sustainable police reform. He reminds readers that the same powers which enable the police to act decisively also make them capable of abuse if unchecked. Therefore, he calls for stronger internal and external mechanisms of oversight — including judicial review, civilian complaints systems, and community consultation — to ensure that the exercise of police powers remains legitimate. Ultimately, Jason-Lloyd’s vision of reform is about restoring moral legitimacy: a police service that commands respect not through fear, but through fairness.According to Jason-Lloyd, the existence of the police is rooted in society’s fundamental need for order, safety, and the rule of law. He explains that policing emerged not merely as a response to crime, but as a moral and institutional expression of a society’s desire to regulate behaviour, prevent chaos, and protect both property and life. In earlier centuries, communities relied on informal systems of control — village watchmen, constables, and local volunteers — but as societies became more complex and urbanised, those informal systems could no longer cope with the growing scale and sophistication of disorder. Thus, the modern police force was born, not simply as an enforcer of law, but as a guardian of public trust and a stabilising pillar of civil life.Jason-Lloyd also highlights that the legitimacy of the police depends on public consent. The police are not a ruling army imposed upon the people, but a professional service operating with the confidence and cooperation of the community. Their authority, therefore, is conditional—it exists only so long as the public believes that the police act fairly, impartially, and within the law. In this sense, policing is as much about moral legitimacy as it is about legal power; the police exist to embody the delicate balance between freedom and security.Leonard Jason-Lloyd suggests that the authority of the police originates from the law—not from personal status, political will, or inherited privilege. He explains that police powers are entirely derived from statutory and common law sources, meaning that every action a police officer takes must have a clear legal foundation. This legal basis ensures that police authority is not arbitrary but accountable, traceable, and subject to judicial oversight. Jason-Lloyd insists that the police are, in essence, citizens in uniform: they do not possess rights greater than those of ordinary people except where the law explicitly grants them additional powers to maintain order, prevent crime, and protect the public.He further emphasises that these powers are balanced by responsibilities and limitations. The same law that grants authority to arrest, detain, or search also imposes boundaries on how and when those powers may be used. Hence, police legitimacy depends not only on having power, but on exercising it lawfully and ethically. In Jason-Lloyd’s view, police authority is a loan from society—a temporary trust given by the public through the framework of the law—and it must always be used with restraint, fairness, and respect for human rights.The main message that Leonard Jason-Lloyd seeks to convey is that policing is fundamentally a public trust rather than a mere exercise of authority. He emphasises that the legitimacy of the police rests on the consent and confidence of the community they serve. Powers granted to the police — to stop, search, detain, or investigate — are not privileges in themselves, but responsibilities that must be exercised lawfully, ethically, and with respect for human rights.Jason-Lloyd stresses that effective policing requires a balance between authority and accountability. The police exist to maintain order and prevent crime, but they must do so without undermining the freedoms and rights of individuals. He repeatedly underscores that the law defines both the scope of police powers and the limits that prevent abuse. Beyond legal compliance, he calls for a policing culture grounded in moral integrity, transparency, and community partnership. In essence, the book is a call to reimagine policing not as a coercive institution, but as a professional service dedicated to fairness, justice, and public confidence.Police forces, at their core, are civilian institutions whose primary purpose is to maintain public order, protect citizens, and enforce laws within society. While some aspects of military practice—such as discipline, organisation, and tactical training—can be useful for certain policing tasks, the police should fundamentally operate based on civilian values, including accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights. Over-reliance on militarised methods risks turning the police into a force that prioritises control over service, eroding public trust and civil liberties. Ideally, policing should be a balance: structured and professional enough to handle emergencies and threats, but rooted in community engagement, problem-solving, and the protection of citizens’ rights rather than in conquest or coercion. In short, police legitimacy comes from serving the public as civilians, not from emulating military power.
The core civilian values that police forces should uphold revolve around the principles of democracy, human rights, and community service. First and foremost is accountability, meaning police must answer for their actions, be subject to oversight, and face consequences for misconduct. Closely linked is transparency, ensuring that procedures, policies, and decisions are visible and understandable to the public. Respect for human rights is fundamental, which includes protecting life, freedom, and dignity without discrimination. Impartiality and fairness are essential to ensure that all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status, receive equal treatment under the law. Community engagement is another key value, where police actively collaborate with the public to solve problems and build trust. Finally, service orientation reminds officers that their role is to protect and serve citizens, not to dominate or coerce them. These values collectively differentiate civilian policing from militarised forces and are crucial for sustaining public legitimacy and trust.Peter K. Manning, Police Work: The Social Organization of Policing (4th edition, 2014, Waveland Press) analyses policing as a social and community-oriented institution, emphasising accountability, transparency, fairness, respect for human rights, and service to the public as foundational civilian values. He argues that these principles are what distinguish legitimate, effective police forces from militarised or coercive ones. Manning argues that effective policing is not merely about enforcing laws or exerting authority, but about maintaining trust, collaboration, and legitimacy within the communities that officers serve. Manning emphasises accountability, highlighting that police actions must be subject to scrutiny, oversight, and consequences for misconduct to ensure public confidence. He underscores transparency, arguing that open procedures, clear policies, and accessible information help the community understand and trust law enforcement decisions. Justice and fairness are central to his framework, ensuring that all individuals receive equal treatment under the law, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or background. Manning also stresses the importance of respect for human rights, recognising that protecting life, dignity, and freedom is fundamental to legitimate police work. Finally, he highlights service to the public as a guiding principle, reminding officers that their role is to protect and assist citizens rather than to dominate or coerce them. Manning argues that these civilian values collectively differentiate a legitimate and effective police force from a militarised or coercive one, asserting that adherence to these principles is essential for sustaining social trust and democratic governance.
[Part 3]
[Part 1]
