Suzanne Scoggins has read plenty of literature about contentious politics and protests in China, but never saw research about day-to-day policing. After studying in China and teaching English to police officers there, Scoggins had the connections to learn more. Her book, “Policing China: Street-Level Cops in the Shadow of Protest,” explores the paradox of China's self-projection as a strong security state despite its weak police bureaucracy. This episode explores the reality of policing in China, where officers with little training and few resources have a strained relationship with the public.