The War on Cops Book Summary

In 'The War on Cops,' Heather Mac Donald boldly challenges the narrative that police are systematically oppressive. With compelling data and personal anecdotes, she paints a picture of a society besieged by rising crime due to a police retreat. The book explores the implications of diminished policing on community safety and public trust. Mac Donald argues for a nuanced understanding of law enforcement, dispelling myths and highlighting the often-heroic role of officers. This provocative work invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of crime and justice in contemporary America.

By Heather Mac Donald

Published: 2016

"In the battle against crime and chaos, we must not only defend the actions of our police forces but also confront the harsh realities of a society that shuns accountability in favor of anarchy."

Book Review of The War on Cops

"This book expands on Mac Donald's ... reporting on 'the Ferguson effect' and the criminal-justice system. It deconstructs the central narrative of the Black Lives Matter movement: [in Mac Donald's view, it isn't] racist cops [that] are the greatest threat to young black males. On the contrary, it is criminals and gangbangers who are responsible for the high black homicide death rate"--Amazon.com.

Similar books you might like →

Showing 8 of 27 similar books

Similar Book Recommendations →

Vitalik Buterin's Book Recommendations

Vitalik Buterin is a Canadian-Russian programmer and writer, best known as the co-founder of Ethereum, a revolutionary blockchain platform that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications. Born in 1994, Buterin displayed exceptional talent in mathematics and computer science from a young age. He co-authored the white paper for Ethereum in 2013, which has since become a cornerstone of the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. In addition to his technical contributions, Buterin is a prolific writer, having penned numerous articles and papers on blockchain technology, cryptography, and decentralization. His work has earned him recognition as one of the most influential figures in the world of cryptocurrency.

Technology and FutureInspiring ReadsArtificial Intelligence

Ryan Holiday's Book Recommendations

Ryan Holiday is a bestselling author and media strategist known for his books on stoicism, including The Obstacle Is the Way and Ego Is the Enemy. He is a leading voice in modern stoic philosophy, teaching readers how to apply ancient wisdom to achieve personal and professional success. Holiday’s work emphasizes resilience, discipline, and humility as keys to navigating life’s challenges. He has consulted with major companies and individuals on marketing and strategy, blending stoic principles with contemporary business practices. His books have been translated into over 30 languages.

Self-ImprovementBusiness and LeadershipSuccess Stories and Life LessonsLife AdviceMindfulnessSpirituality and Philosophy

Ezra Klein's Book Recommendations

Ezra Klein is a prominent American journalist, political analyst, and author, renowned for his incisive commentary on politics and policy. He co-founded Vox, a widely respected news website known for its explanatory journalism, and served as its editor-in-chief. Klein's work includes the critically acclaimed book "Why We're Polarized," which delves into the deep-seated divisions in American politics. He also hosts "The Ezra Klein Show," a popular podcast where he interviews thought leaders from various fields. Klein's contributions have significantly shaped contemporary political discourse and media consumption.

PoliticsMedia and Pop Culture

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

PoliticsMemoirs and BiographiesSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.

Business and LeadershipSuccess Stories and Life LessonsSelf-Improvement

Ayaan Hirsi Ali's Book Recommendations

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a Somali-born Dutch-American activist, author, and former politician, renowned for her outspoken criticism of Islam and advocacy for women's rights. She gained international recognition with her 2006 memoir, "Infidel," which chronicles her journey from a traditional Muslim upbringing to her eventual renouncement of Islam. As a member of the Dutch parliament from 2003 to 2006, she worked tirelessly on issues related to the integration of immigrants and the emancipation of Muslim women. Hirsi Ali has continued her advocacy through her writing, including notable works such as "Nomad" and "Heretic," which further explore themes of freedom, religion, and human rights. Her courageous and often controversial stance has earned her both widespread acclaim and significant opposition.

ActivistMemoirs and BiographiesWomen Who LeadPolitics

Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations

Reid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.

Business and LeadershipFounders PlaybookSuccess Stories and Life LessonsTechnology and Future

Brad Feld's Book Recommendations

Brad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.

Business and LeadershipFounders Playbook

Showing 8 of 16 related collections

In the battle against crime and chaos, we must not only defend the actions of our police forces but also confront the harsh realities of a society that shuns accountability in favor of anarchy.

The War on Cops

By Heather Mac Donald