
newsFeb 2, 20239:31pending
Specialized Police Units Are In The Spotlight, Again
About this episode
The Memphis Police Department has disbanded its special SCORPION unit, after five of the unit's officers were involved in the death of Tyre Nichols. But similar units are still operating across the U.S.
Specialized police units are often created after a spike in crime, as officials come under pressure to do something about it. The units often operate with little oversight and develop a reputation for using aggressive tactics.
We speak with journalist Radley Balko, author of "Rise of the Warrior Cop: The Militarization of America's Police Forces." He has studied police tactics and whether special units work to keep communities safe.
In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.
Email us at [email protected].
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
Specialized police units are often created after a spike in crime, as officials come under pressure to do something about it. The units often operate with little oversight and develop a reputation for using aggressive tactics.
We speak with journalist Radley Balko, author of "Rise of the Warrior Cop: The Militarization of America's Police Forces." He has studied police tactics and whether special units work to keep communities safe.
In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.
Email us at [email protected].
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
Get every episode summarized
Each time Consider This from NPR publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Consider This from NPR

25 years after the 9/11 attacks, where does the trial stand?
Consider This from NPR
Sep 11, 202610:54completed

Are big AI companies gambling with our lives?
Consider This from NPR
Sep 10, 20269:44completed

After a difficult trial, how do jurors move on?
Consider This from NPR
Sep 9, 20266:52completed

The Smithsonian's leader is stepping down. Where does the Institution go from he...
Consider This from NPR
Sep 8, 20269:20failed