From Defunding Police to Abolition

In these times, there is a lot of talk of defunding and abolishing the police. A lot of people (understandably) have questions about that. There has been a long-standing call from Black and Indigenous organizers in the city for the need to end police terror and violence - in communities such as Jane and Finch (who saw police conduct a militarized raid in a community), in schools, and in people’s own homes (#JusticeForRegis). As we continue to engage in the fight to defund the Toronto Police (the city’s budget currently allocates ~25% to the TPS), there’s some opportunities to learn more about what it means to defund the police and why? 

The book, 'The End of Policing' is on sale through the publisher right now, and FREE as an e-book.

https://www.versobooks.com/books/2817-the-end-of-policing

This is a US-focused book, but it clearly outlines the principles behind the call for ending policing as opposed to making reforms to how policing is done. It talks about the history of policing, and how the police were created as a force for white supremacist violence and domination. The pieces brought forward also apply in many ways to Canada as well. It is an EXCELLENT companion to 'Policing Black Lives' which is an essential read for Canadians.

‘Policing Black Lives’ is absolutely worth the money, and please support independent presses or bookstores: 

https://fernwoodpublishing.ca/book/policing-black-lives

There's also a number of great books on policing and prisons on sale at the moment through Haymarket, also including a free EBOOK copy of 'Who Do You Serve, Who Do You Protect?' (also US-focused):

https://www.haymarketbooks.org/blogs/80-haymarket-books-against-policing-amp-mass-incarceration