Menu
Acclaim
A Badge, A Gun, But No God
The Problems With Policing in America
Hilton Napoleon, author of “A Badge, a Gun, but No God: The Problems with Policing in America,” has plenty of experience to draw on in writing this book that describes policing problems in communities of color across the United States. He points out that police brutality occurred regularly long before the recent killings that have made the news, thanks to videos made on people’s cell phones.
As a retired police officer with 33 years of experience, Napoleon recognizes the difficulties of being a police officer but highlights a problem of police not being held accountable for their actions. He describes situations the kind of training young people of color receive in order to avoid turning a stop by police into something more violent – the kind of training white kids never need to have.
Hilton Napoleon, author of “A Badge, a Gun, but No God: The Problems with Policing in America,” has plenty of experience to draw on in writing this book that describes policing problems in communities of color across the United States. He points out that police brutality occurred regularly long before the recent killings that have made the news, thanks to videos made on people’s cell phones.
As a retired police officer with 33 years of experience, Napoleon recognizes the difficulties of being a police officer but highlights a problem of police not being held accountable for their actions. He describes situations the kind of training young people of color receive in order to avoid turning a stop by police into something more violent – the kind of training white kids never need to have.
The author describes the principles that police offers should follow in order to enforce laws equally and offers ways to improve the situation. This well written book is a call for improvement in police departments at all levels.
- KMB13
This book is very raw & honest, a true page turner. I had few emotional moments while reading but the author writes with honesty displaying the integrity officers of the law are suppose to be. The facts and references are point on. I couldn’t put it down. BRAVO!
- BJC
This book provides the insight into policing in America. It provides a detailed analysis of the shortcomings of police due to racism and their failure to apply common sense into their jobs. We all know that law enforcement is a difficult profession but it is passed the time to allow racist police to continue to use excuses to murder black people without consequence. Chief Napoleon put into words what needs to be addressed in the United States by local, state and federal agencies to curb the use of fatal force in cases where it’s not warranted. Once I started reading the book I could not put it down. Good job, Hilton!
- Gregory B.
Author Hilton Napoleon, a graduate of the FBI National Academy, is a retired police officer who knows well the problems with policing in America. Recovering from a prolonged bout with COVID-19 instigated his writing this excellent book addressing law enforcement: he sees the need for ‘healing’ and presents his recommendations in an insightful and viable platform, particularly in police departments in Black and minority communities—problems with police officers killing unarmed citizens and the disparity in treatment and enforcement of the law in Black and other communities of color. ‘Law enforcement officers must be fully aware of the tremendous ethical responsibilities of their position and must strive to consistently fulfill their responsibilities to the highest professional standards.’
With remarkable insight, Napoleon discusses both sides of the line – citizens at risk and officers arresting – in a way that allows accessible understanding of the problem that has become prevalent and highlighted in the news and in social media. He sensitively encourages Christian principles in ‘re-training’ police and in doing so, accentuates the need for racially diversified police chiefs and police executives to initiate a national standard police for use of force, a disciplinary base for police officers, a policy for less than lethal force alternative, diversity in hiring practices and promotions, diversity training, and other national reviews to insure police reform – and public education! The use of scriptural references strengthens Napoleon’s brave and substantive views. This is a book deserves a very wide readership – and hopefully change! Highly recommended.
- Gary Harp
I enjoyed reading this book. The writer, a career police Chief (Hilton Napoleon) and a true believer of our Lord God, talked about the importance of the work of policing; be it in a big city, small town, open highways, or protecting farm community, all has its level of danger but one that’s wearing the badge and gun should have and carry the armor of God with them every day and night they are out protecting and serving. Well done, Sir.
- Roosevelt Lawrence, Jr. retired DPD
To the righteous police officers who protect and serve, it will continue to guide those with a good heart. Others may find it controversial a difficult when dealing with the truth.
- Shirley Sutton
Author Hilton Napoleon recounts his experiences as a law enforcer in his book, “A Badge, A Gun, But No God.” With more than thirty-three years of experience, he offers an honest dissection of the American police system, all while dealing with his fair share of discrimination as a black man.
Much like the eye-catching title, the author draws you in with his intellect, honesty, and integrity. Throughout the pages, he recalls countless African-American citizens who faced untimely deaths at the hands of corrupt police officers.
While it’s easy to dismiss such officers as racist and ignorant, the author proves that such a problem goes deeper than individual shortcomings. First, he brings in the element of America’s complicated history with its minority citizens while proposing that change in the system must start from within its organizational structure. All of which he delivers directly and honestly in a faith-based narrative that should unite all Americans.
Yet, despite the hardships and challenges, the author emphasizes the values that all officers must showcase. These values include duty, responsibility, empathy, peacefulness, and justice—all of which should be as clear as their badges.
Unfortunately, not every officer is a symbol of such values. Nevertheless, the author offers practical tips on how to keep your head cool while dealing with brutal cops. Additionally, while he examines the widespread problems within the system, he proposes potential solutions that could better the structure in the future.
With all these in mind, it’s safe to say that the author delivers a handy guide that is not only meant to inform but also to inspire. His written words will undoubtedly play an essential part in how we move to a better future. However, like change, we must all start within ourselves and play an active role in the community. If you’d like to know how to improve the system, read this book as a great starting point. You won’t be disappointed.