Private | Unequal Justice: The Origins of Policing and Resistance in New York City
Quick Details
ⓘ Tour Type: Private In-person Walking Tour
⌛ Duration: 2.5 hours
The Equal Justice Tour: Crime, Policing, and Mass Incarceration in New York traces early policing in New York from colonial slave patrols to 19th-century efforts targeting Irish, Italian, Chinese, and other immigrant communities. It highlights gangs like the Dead Rabbits and Bowery Boys, early prisons such as Bridewell and the Tombs, and exposes the coalition of police, judges and lawyers that formed a “Kidnapping Club” that sold free Black New Yorkers into slavery.
The tour honors reformers like David Ruggles, Elizabeth Jennings, Frederick Douglass, Theodore Dwight, and Dorothea Dix, as well as African American civic and religious groups that organized resistance and fought unfair policing. Their work laid the foundation for ongoing struggles for justice and police accountability in New York. By examining these historical roots, the tour reveals how patterns of discrimination and resistance continue to shape the city’s criminal justice system today. It invites participants to reflect on the legacy of inequality and the ongoing fight for equitable treatment under the law.
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Tour Highlights
Historical Overview:
Trace the roots of New York’s criminal justice system, examining how crime and punishment have shaped the city from the 1600s to today.
Law Enforcement and Public Emergencies:
Learn how police and public officials have responded to crises throughout NYC’s history, from early epidemics to moments of civil unrest.Mass Incarceration:
Gain insight into the rise of mass incarceration, exploring the causes, consequences, and personal stories behind New York’s prison system.Criminal Justice Reform:
Discover ongoing efforts and grassroots movements aimed at reforming the justice system, promoting equity, and building a more just future for all New Yorkers.Expert, Inclusive Guides:
Led by licensed local guides with specialized backgrounds in history, law, and social justice. Private tour format allows for in-depth discussion and personalized engagement.
Why Choose This Tour?
Timely & Relevant:
Ideal for educators, students, community groups, and anyone interested in social justice, history, and public policy.Award-Winning, Inclusive Approach:
Offered by Inside Out Tours, a certified Black- and woman-owned company recognized for celebrating NYC’s diversity and untold stories.Customizable Experience:
Bilingual (English/Spanish) guide options available.
What’s Included
Private guided walking tour focused on NYC’s criminal justice history and reform
Licensed, bilingual tour guide (English and Spanish; additional languages upon request)
Opportunities for discussion and Q&A throughout the tour
For inquiries, please fill out our contact form, and we will respond as soon as possible.
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