Watch Do Not Resist

Do Not Resist is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that takes a hard look at the increasing militarization of police forces in America. Directed by Craig Atkinson, the film was released in 2016 and has since been widely praised for its compelling insights and its ability to spark conversations about the role of law enforcement in contemporary society.

At the heart of the film is the question of whether or not the police have become too militarized, and what this means for citizens and communities across the country. To explore this issue, Atkinson draws on a range of sources, including interviews with police officers, politicians, and community organizers, as well as footage from protests, military-style police raids, and other high-profile incidents.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the way it presents the disconnect between the rhetoric of law enforcement officials and the reality of their actions. On the one hand, we see officers talking about their commitment to serving and protecting their communities, and their belief that their actions are necessary to keep people safe. On the other hand, we see them using military-grade weapons and tactics to carry out raids and arrests, often in ways that seem disproportionate or unjustified.

Atkinson is particularly effective in capturing the emotional impact of these incidents, showing the fear and trauma experienced by citizens who find themselves on the wrong end of a police raid or encounter. At one point, we see a group of young girls huddled in a corner as officers use a battering ram to break down a door just a few feet away. At another, we hear the anguished cries of a man whose house has been searched without a warrant, while officers stand by with weapons drawn.

The film also examines the broader social and political context of police militarization, including the rise of the drug war, the role of private contractors in supplying police departments with military gear, and the impact of the post-9/11 security state on domestic law enforcement. In one memorable scene, Atkinson interviews Richard Berk, a criminologist who helped design the software that many police departments use to predict crime. Berk acknowledges that his system is biased against certain communities, but argues that this is a necessary trade-off in order to identify potential criminals before they commit crimes. The implication is clear: even supposedly impartial technological solutions can reinforce existing patterns of discrimination and abuse.

Overall, Do Not Resist is a powerful and sobering indictment of the militarization of police forces in America, and a call to action for citizens and policymakers who want to ensure that law enforcement serves the interests of all Americans, not just those in power. The film is sure to spark strong emotions and lively discussions, and is a must-see for anyone who cares about justice, democracy, and the role of government in our lives.

Do Not Resist is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 69.