We publish books that matter — narrative and literary nonfiction on important topics, and the best of local, international, and translated fiction.

Scribe is proud to announce the upcoming publication of When Cops are Criminals, a new essay collection edited by Veronica Gorrie, author of the multi award–winning memoir Black and Blue. 

The essays in this anthology are collected from multiple contributors, including Lauren Caulfield and Emma Husar. They are coming forward to share their experiences, whether personal or professional, with criminal behaviour of the police.

Gorrie has commented that, ‘The chapters in When Cops are Criminals have been written to highlight the crimes that are committed all over this country not just by police but also by carceral authoritarians; and, more so, to highlight the impact this behaviour has on its victims. This will be the first time that some of the contributors have openly discussed, written, or told their experiences.’

Acquiring publisher Marika Webb-Pullman added, ‘I couldn't imagine a better editor for this important anthology than Ronnie, whose own experiences in the Queensland police force are detailed in Black and Blue. The trust and respect she's earned from the contributors is evident in the openness and honesty of their writing. It's our hope that these pieces, penned by academics, campaigners, and victims alike, will challenge readers to reflect on the institutions that are supposed to protect them.’

This powerful and provocative collection will be publishing in mid 2024.