Sep 07, 2023
Sociology and criminology colleagues Dr. Benjamin Gross, associate professor, and Dr. Samantha Gavin, assistant professor, have co-authored the book “Framing the Police on Twitter: Public Discourse on Abolishing Police, Defunding Police, and
Community Policing.”
Released in July, their work delves into the multifaceted meanings attached to calls for police reform within the realm of social media.
Gross and Gavin provide readers with a comprehensive exploration of the assumptions, empirical claims, and rhetorical nuances that underpin the current dialogue surrounding police policy. The authors dissect the various interpretations of “defunding”
or “abolishing” the police, while also critically examining the definition and implications of “community policing” among Twitter users.
Their book engages with a diverse range of voices, analyzing the viewpoints expressed by various stakeholders, including activists, law enforcement agencies, community organizers, and policymakers.