Sixteen-year-old Keith Merith finds himself pulled over, berated, and degraded by a white police officer. He's done nothing wrong - he was only looking for a parking spot. But the officer has the power, and he doesn't. Keith never wants to be in that position again. From that day on, he vows to join a police service and effect change from within. Twelve years and thirteen police services later, Keith is finally hired by the York Regional Police. Although subjected to unfair treatment and constant racial 'pinpricks,' he perseveres and gradually rises through the ranks. After a stellar career and passionate pursuit of systemic change, Keith retires at the rank of Superintendent. But his desire for sustained and equitable change persists. In A Darker Shade of Blue, Keith advocates for what he believes immediate police reform should look like - starting with recruitment. Keith exposes the ramifications of challenging an organisation that historically views people of colour as agents of the dreaded replacement theory, preventing them from entering the force. He wants to see inclusive law enforcement agencies reflecting their communities and behaving in a manner that honours their obligation to serve and protect citizens equally. As a Black man charged with the duty to serve, Keith delivers an evocative perspective on all sides of policing by providing the opportunity to walk in his shoes.
