Many in the Western world today are questioning the way in which the modern police force has evolved. From an institution that offered protection, security and the feeling that all members of society would be treated justly by them, many citizens now question what the ultimate goal of the police in our society is, and whom they actually serve.

This is not a new question, and was addressed by Juvenal 2000 years ago with his famous phrase “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” This literally translates as “Who will guard the guards themselves”, but can be expressed today as “Who will police the police”? This subject troubled both Socrates and Plato philosophically as they debated how those in authority can be held to account for their actions.

The reverse features three skeletonized police officers in full riot gear with bats at the ready. The skeleton represents the dehumanization of today’s police officers as an element of state control. “Police State” is emblazoned on their chest in case any are unaware of the direction we are heading. The traditional Police motto of “To protect and serve” has been adapted to today with the words “To Brutalize and Exploit” found at the top of the round.