A transparent first-hand account of a Black officer maneuvering through three terrifying yet rewarding decades of policing, all while seeking reform in law enforcement

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 13 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 immediate police reform -- starting with recruitment. He wants to see inclusive law enforcement agencies reflecting their communities and behaving in a manner that honors 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.