Ex-Cop: I don’t even wanna be here.
Prison Counselor: I understand that, but if you want to stay in protective
custody, this is how its done.
Ex-Cop: I’m a cop, I should be in protective custody no matter what, and
since I’m a cop, I know that this is not how it works. I shouldn’t need a
psychological assessment to see if I’m fit to not be murdered by some big
black man.
Prison Counselor: This isn’t a psychological assessment. This is regular
counseling that’s required for you to maintain your right to protective
custody. It doesn’t matter what you stay here, as long as you agree to these
sessions, the warden will let you stay.
Ex-Cop: So, I can say whatever I want?
Prison Counselor: I understand that it is your instinct to rail against
minorities, and all the other people that you believe are responsible for
you losing your job. But we won’t get anywhere until you admit that what you
did was murder, and wrong. First step towards that, I believe, is admitting
that you’re no longer a law enforcement officer.
Ex-Cop: Once a cop, always a cop.
Prison Counselor: I can see how you would feel that way symbolically,
metaphorically. But literally, you are not. I’ve read the court transcripts.
You expressed no remorse for your actions. Has anything changed in that
regard?
Ex-Cop: Yes, absolutely.
Prison Counselor: Oh, good.
Ex-Cop: I regret that I didn’t notice that bitch holding her cellphone
camera at me sooner, and that I didn’t rip it out of her hands as soon as I
finally did see it.
Prison Counselor: You’re referring to Innocent Victim’s boyfriend, who
identifies as a man. Acceptance of non-heterosexuality is another thing
we’ll need to work on.
Ex-Cop: Where do you get off telling me what we need to work on? I’m fine. I
just need to stay away from all these black people who keep trying to kill
me in here.
Prison Counselor: You are protected now. This is a safe space. You can be
honest. I want you to be able and willing to change, though. That’s what
life is, a constant progression towards an improved state.
Ex-Cop: If I’m not willing to change, you’re gonna kick me back to gen pop?
Prison Counselor: That’s right.
Ex-Cop: Is that even legal?
Prison Counselor: No one behind these gates is guaranteed protection. Do you
think you can do this? Do you think you can entertain the possibility that
you’re wrong, and that you need to become a better person? Or are you
convinced you’re an infallible god?
Ex-Cop: I never said I was a god.
Prison Counselor: ...
Ex-Cop: Yes, I can do that. I suppose it’s possible that I’m just a little
bit racist, and that there’s a slight chance I haven’t been my best self.
Prison Counselor: Great. Now, let’s start from the beginning. What do you
remember your parents teaching you about race, ethnicity, and skin color
when you were a child?
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