Transgressors: the few who dared

• In Event: The Many Faces of Policing

Abstract

Policing is sometimes characterized a a profession; sometimes not. Indisputably, however, the subculture of policing supports, accepts and upholds the established order without question. This inquiry explores the motives of those members of the "fraternal order" who have transgressed and espoused political and social change at odds with the mainstream. Capt. Eric Adams- now Brooklyn Borough President- espoused change while serving as a NYPD supervisor; Capt. Ray Lewis subjected himself to arrest at the Occupy Wall Street event in full parade uniform; Sgt. Jonathan Wender was persecuted for his political beliefs. What does this say about the social institution of control? What does this say about who we select to exercise that control? Are they heroes- or simply transgressors?

Author

• Mitch Librett, Bridgewater State University