t. Unfortunately, he faces an
immediate challenge on his first day. It has nothing to do with the job
itself, but everything to do with the all-white prejudices of his future co-
workers. JJ is a black man. It is nothing new to him. It is, however, new
to Edgemar. Sheriff Johnson ignores the avoided glances and conspiratorial
exchanges in the squad room with grace. Perhaps he does so because he is
blinded by the brightness of his dream, or has become accustomed to the
reality of being a black man in a white world. His first day on patrol, JJ
partners with a veteran officer. He fails to ticket a black woman because
she is flirtatious and attractive. His partner comes down hard and
explains JJ's error in judgment. Never allow appearances to keep you from
your job. It is an issue of safety and JJ understands. He seems to accept
the reprimand gratefully. His partner, after all, is trying to protect his
life. He wants to belong. He always wanted to be a cop. His partner
increases the tension by chasing the woman down and giving her a ticket.
JJ is properly admonished. At his next serious encounter JJ questions the
actions of his co-workers. They allow a dog to attack a trespasser inside
a building. When JJ's conscience tells him to help the man, he is
reprimanded for leaving his back-up post. Again, he swallows his standards
because he wants to belong. Although JJ questions himself and his actions,
he allows his views to shift. He is being taught how to belong on the
force. At this point, he is willing to accept the harsh realities of
police work and continues to abide by the "rules".
When another incident occurs, JJ doubts his judgment enough to observe
his fellow officer without taking action. This time he decides to follow
the other officer's lead. Bono, a young, tough cop, detains a black man
coming out of a convenience store. This is standard operatin...