Route 66 - The History of the Police That Kills - Caco Barcellos

Route 66: The History of the Police That Kills

In his groundbreaking book, Route 66: The History of the Police That Kills, Caco Barcellos takes readers on a harrowing journey into the dark underbelly of police brutality in Brazil. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts from victims and their families, Barcellos exposes the systemic violence and impunity that have plagued the country for decades.

A History of Violence

Barcellos begins by tracing the roots of police violence in Brazil back to the colonial era, when the Portuguese used brutal force to suppress indigenous populations and maintain control over their vast empire. This legacy of violence continued after Brazil gained independence, as successive governments relied on the police to quell dissent and maintain social order.

In recent years, police violence has reached epidemic proportions in Brazil. In 2019, the country recorded over 6,000 homicides committed by police officers, making it one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a civilian. The vast majority of these killings are never investigated, and the perpetrators are rarely brought to justice.

The Victims

Barcellos humanizes the statistics by sharing the stories of individual victims of police violence. He introduces us to mothers who have lost their children, wives who have lost their husbands, and children who have lost their parents. These stories are heartbreaking and infuriating, and they lay bare the devastating impact of police violence on Brazilian society.

The System

Barcellos also delves into the systemic factors that contribute to police violence in Brazil. He exposes the lack of training and accountability within the police force, the corruption that permeates the justice system, and the political forces that protect police officers from prosecution.

A Call to Action

Barcellos concludes his book with a call to action, urging Brazilians to demand an end to police violence. He argues that the only way to break the cycle of violence is to hold police officers accountable for their actions and to reform the justice system so that it protects the rights of all citizens.

Why You Should Read This Book

Route 66: The History of the Police That Kills is a must-read for anyone who cares about human rights and social justice. It is a powerful indictment of police violence in Brazil, and it offers a glimpse of hope for a better future.

This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the roots of police violence in Brazil and the devastating impact it has on the country's citizens. It is a call to action for all of us to demand an end to police brutality and to fight for a more just and equitable society.