6 Ways We Police Each Other and Reinforce the Carceral System…

1. Calling the cops on someone experiencing a crisis in public 

2. Believing that people are either good or bad

3. Surveilling how people (especially poor people) spend their money

4. Reporting a neighbor that is playing loud music to your landlord

5. Giving a friend, family member, or romantic partner the “cold shoulder” after they say something hurtful 

6. Judging how oppressed people resist their oppressor

Here are 6 Alternative Strategies:

1. Get to know your neighbors and people in your community including: vendors, houseless folks, service workers, etc. 

2. Remember that we are all complex beings that have been shaped by oppressive systems and we all have things to unlearn

3. Recognize that we will all sometimes be harm-doers and practice accountability and making amends

4. Seek accountability not punishment. Punishment is often about enforcing rules and can often continue the cycle of harm. Accountability seeks to address harm, repair, and responsibility be taken by the person that did the harm. 

5. Dream with your community about what we can build instead of investing in the carceral state. For example: free healthcare, free education, truly public spaces, clean streets, housing for all, food for all – dream big!

6. Support organizations that are invested in abolition, such as our own! Donate at: CJJC.org