Police Speak

Former LAPD officer and author Brian Bentley grew up in Los Angeles. Raised with the principles and importance of contributing to the community, Brian focused on a career in law enforcement with the goal of bridging the gap between community and the police.  Experiencing discrimination, racism, sexism and corruption during his time in training and on the job motivated Brian to write his books.  Publishing his first book, One Time: The Story of A South Central Los Angeles Police Officer, with the purpose of improving the community and giving other officers the courage to speak out resulted in Brian being terminated and facing charges. Brian was the subject of an extensive  investigation that included over three hundred allegations of misconduct and seven months of surveillance.  Brian has written three books, One Time: The Story of a South Central Los Angeles Police Officer, Honor without Integrity and Hit Me Once, Hit Me Twice.  He keeps a busy schedule hosting the Starting Point podcast, continuing to write and coaching high school track.

What you will hear

Brian’s shocking experiences of discrimination early on in his police academy training.

The continued discrimination as Brian began working for LAPD.

The negative effects of Brian’s experiences as a rookie officer.

Social acceptance of anger issues amongst police officers.

What motivated Brian to write his book including the murder of his colleague Kevin Gaines by another colleague.

The backlash Brian received after publishing his first book.

The culture of violence, racism, sexism and anger within law enforcement

The knowledge that police officers can get away with police brutality and murder.

Police officers are meticulously taught how to circumvent citizen’s civil rights.

Violence addiction.

Veterans within law enforcement.

Psychological effects of being a police officer.

Brian wrote his book with the purpose of improving the community and giving other police officers the courage to speak out against the malfeasance within law enforcement.

Fear and retaliation within law enforcement.

The need for change.

How Brian was able to overcome his experiences and maintain his mental health

Black Lives Matter

Quotes

“As a black police officer you can’t go anywhere and make a formal complaint.”

“Police officers don’t feel like they can get away with brutality and murder, they know they can.”

“Police officers are experts in circumventing your civil rights.”

“Police officers suppress their emotions and their morals.”

“It’s a tough job psychologically.”

“The lack of access and poverty breeds crime.”

“Law enforcement is not what suppresses or stops crime.”

Mentioned

Didi Hirsch

Youtube Brian S. Bentley

One Time : The Story of a South Central Los Angeles Police Officer

Honor Without Integrity

Hit Me Once, Hit Me Twice.