Ep 1. Policing the Police

In the season 6 premiere of United Shades of America, host W. Kamau Bell takes a deep dive into police brutality and accountability in the United States. Bell travels to Newark, New Jersey to investigate the repercussions of a consent decree between the Newark Police Department and the Department of Justice. Through interviews with citizens, police officers, community organizers, and activists, Bell explores how the history of systemic racism and police misconduct in the city has led to tensions and mistrust between law enforcement and the community.

Throughout the episode, Bell meets with a wide range of people who have been affected by the issues at hand. He speaks with Newark residents who have been subjected to excessive force or wrongful arrest at the hands of the police, and shares their stories of frustration and trauma. Bell also spends time with officers on the force, learning about their experiences with the consent decree and their perspectives on what needs to change within the department.

In addition to hearing from those directly impacted by policing practices in Newark, Bell also meets with community organizers and activists who are working towards reform. He attends a protest against police brutality and speaks with leaders in the Black Lives Matter movement about their vision for a reimagined system of public safety. Through these conversations, Bell learns about the importance of community-led initiatives to hold police accountable and provide much needed support and resources to marginalized communities.

As always, Bell brings his signature humor and wit to the episode, finding moments of levity amidst the weighty subject matter. Along the way, he shares his own personal experiences with the police and reflects on the ways in which his own race and privilege have afforded him protections that are not extended to all Americans.

Overall, Policing the Police offers an illuminating and thought-provoking look at an issue that has come to the forefront of national discourse in recent years. It is a fitting start to the sixth season of United Shades of America, which continues to tackle difficult and important topics with nuance and empathy.