JRE #670 – Michael A. Wood, Jr.

This podcast presents a compelling and thought-provoking conversation with Michael A. Wood, Jr., a retired Baltimore police officer who courageously speaks out against systemic racism and police brutality within law enforcement. The discussion delves into the deeply ingrained issues of institutionalized racism within the criminal justice system, the drug war, and the psychological toll on officers, particularly those in high-crime urban areas. It explores the complexities of policing, the challenges of navigating a deeply flawed system, and the potential for reform through empathy, critical thinking, and dismantling societal biases.

Major Topics

1. Michael A. Wood Jr.’s Background:
   • Wood served as a Baltimore police officer for 11 years after a stint in the USMC.
   • He developed a “robocop” mentality, separating himself emotionally from the job and viewing interactions through the lens of enforcing the law.
   • This detachment led to a blind spot towards systemic racism, both in his own actions and those of fellow officers.
   • Wood’s shoulder injury forced his retirement, providing him with the opportunity to reflect on his experiences and publicly address the issues he witnessed.
2. Institutionalized Racism in Policing:
   • Wood admits to intentionally arresting white individuals to balance the disproportionate number of arrests of African Americans in his district.
   • He highlights the pervasiveness of “stop and frisk” practices, often used as a justification for illegal searches, primarily targeting people of color.
   • Wood emphasizes that systemic racism extends beyond individual prejudices, creating a cycle of poverty, crime, and incarceration that disproportionately affects communities of color.
   • He argues that the drug war exacerbates this cycle, perpetuating the “prison industrial complex” and fueling institutionalized racism.
3. The Psychological Impact on Police Officers:
   • Wood discusses the intense stress and trauma associated with policing, particularly in high-crime environments, and the potential for this stress to contribute to violence.
   • He argues that the “us versus them” mentality fostered by the system, coupled with the pressure to meet arrest quotas, can lead to desensitization and a disregard for human dignity.
   • Wood emphasizes the importance of empathy, both towards the community and among officers, as a crucial step in addressing police brutality and fostering a more humane approach to law enforcement.
   • He highlights the need to address PTSD and mental health issues among officers, recognizing the psychological impact of their job and promoting a culture of support and accountability.
4. The Freddie Gray Case and the Baltimore Uprising:
   • The podcast delves into the Freddie Gray case, examining the events leading up to his death in police custody and the subsequent protests and unrest.
   • Wood critiques the official narrative surrounding the case, highlighting discrepancies and questioning the use of force against Gray, who was arrested for possessing a switchblade that was ultimately deemed legal.
   • He argues that the cover-up surrounding the case exemplifies the systemic issues of accountability and transparency within police departments.
   • Wood connects the Baltimore uprising to the larger issue of police brutality and the need for systemic reform, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context and grievances of the community.
5. The Role of the Media and Public Perception:
   • Wood highlights the role of the media in shaping public perception of police and communities of color, often perpetuating negative stereotypes and fueling the “us versus them” narrative.
   • He criticizes the portrayal of black communities as inherently violent and criminal, arguing that this biases public perception and fuels the cycle of systemic racism.
   • Wood emphasizes the need for more nuanced and objective reporting, highlighting the complexities of urban environments and the social and economic factors that contribute to crime.
   • He believes that media coverage can contribute to positive change by promoting understanding, empathy, and a willingness to address systemic issues.
6. The Need for Reform:
   • Wood advocates for decriminalization of drugs as a crucial step in dismantling the “prison industrial complex” and addressing the root causes of crime.
   • He argues that removing the financial incentive for mass incarceration would allow police to focus on addressing violence and community needs rather than pursuing drug offenses.
   • Wood emphasizes the importance of empowering officers on the ground to address community issues and build relationships with residents, rather than simply enforcing laws.
   • He calls for a more humane approach to policing, one that prioritizes empathy, de-escalation, and community engagement.
7. The Role of Technology and Social Media:
   • Wood acknowledges the power of technology and social media in exposing police brutality and fostering public awareness, but also highlights its limitations.
   • He believes that while technology can provide valuable evidence and accountability, it is not a substitute for systemic reform.
   • Wood recognizes the potential of social media to connect individuals across racial and socioeconomic lines, fostering dialogue and collective action.
   • He emphasizes the importance of utilizing technology responsibly and ethically to promote understanding and positive change.
8. The Future of Policing:
   • Wood expresses cautious optimism about the potential for change, recognizing the growing awareness and sensitivity surrounding police brutality.
   • He believes that a new generation of officers, informed by the lessons of the past, can create a more just and equitable system.
   • Wood emphasizes the importance of continued dialogue and engagement, urging individuals to challenge their own biases and work towards a more humane society.
   • He envisions a future where policing focuses on community engagement, conflict resolution, and addressing the root causes of crime, rather than solely on enforcement.

Memorable Quotes

• “It seems like you ran into a lot of fucking psychopaths.” – Joe Rogan expresses his shock at the stories of misconduct Wood shares.
• “When you’re doing it, it’s just what police do. You know it.” – Wood reveals the normalization of questionable practices within law enforcement.
• “We have to start treating human beings like they’re human beings.” – Wood emphasizes the core principle of empathy as essential for reform.
• “The number one problem is the drug war, and then we have money in politics. Those are our two big issues that we have to solve before we get anywhere.” – Wood identifies the key obstacles to meaningful change.
• “It’s not about whether we’re going to blame the cops that did it or whether we’re gonna go back and have retribution. We need to realize that this is what we do. Stop denying it.” – Wood calls for a frank and honest reckoning with the reality of police misconduct.