Blacks Behind Bars presents an impassioned yet reasoned examination of how the burgeoning prison boom and problematic forms of policing marginalize African-Americans in American society. The anthology takes a critical look at our nation’s criminal justice system and related institutions.

The readings in the anthology are presented in two sections. The first focuses on policing and addresses such topics as racial profiling, differing perceptions of the use of force by police, and the scope of complaints about police misconduct.

In the second half of the text, the readings examine connections between the Prison Industrial Complex and white supremacy, African-American men and the Prison Industrial Complex, the intersection(s) of race, gender, and mass incarceration.

The text features readings from notable scholars including Marc Mauer, Michael Tonry, Earl Smith, Angela Hattery, Loic Wacquant, Ronald Weitzer, Robert Staples, Shaun Gabbidon, Wesley G. Jennings, George E. Higgins, Kareem L. Jordan, Michael D. White, Robert J. Kane, Kimberly D. Hassell, and Carol A. Archbold.

Blacks Behind Bars is an excellent reader for courses in criminal justice, criminology, Black studies, and race and ethnicity as well as sociology and psychology classes.