POV Season 30 Episode 20 Do Not Resist

In season 30, episode 20 of POV, viewers are given a look into the world of law enforcement in the United States in a feature-length documentary titled Do Not Resist. The film, directed by Craig Atkinson, explores the growing militarization of police departments in America and the impact it has on local communities.

Throughout the documentary, Atkinson provides both a historical context for the increasing use of military tactics by police departments and an in-depth look at the modern-day reality of police work. Viewers are given access to police departments across the country, including in Ferguson, Missouri, where the shooting of Michael Brown ignited protests and conversations about police brutality and racial bias.

Through interviews with police officers and experts, as well as footage of police training exercises and protests, viewers are able to see the ways in which police departments are being equipped with military-grade weapons and tactics that were once used exclusively by the armed forces. Atkinson also explores the rise of surveillance technology, such as facial recognition software, which allows police departments to monitor and track individuals in unprecedented ways.

As the documentary unfolds, viewers are left to grapple with the implications of this trend towards militarization. On one hand, proponents argue that these tactics are necessary to keep communities safe from threats such as terrorism and violent crime. On the other hand, critics argue that these tactics are contributing to a culture of fear and mistrust between communities and their police departments, particularly in communities of color.

Perhaps the most powerful moments of Do Not Resist come during interviews with members of the public, including parents who have lost children to police violence and activists who are working to hold police departments accountable for their actions. Through their voices, the documentary highlights the human cost of militarization and the urgent need for systemic change.

Overall, Do Not Resist is a thought-provoking and timely documentary that raises important questions about the state of law enforcement in America. Whether you're a law enforcement officer, policymaker, or concerned citizen, this film offers valuable insights into the ways in which our communities are being policed and what we can do to ensure that our police departments are truly serving and protecting all members of society.