This book investigates the systemic nature of racial discrimination and professional marginalization faced by African-American police officers within predominantly white law enforcement institutions. Joe Feagin, a prominent sociologist known for his work on systemic racism, and Kenneth Bolton utilize extensive qualitative interviews to document the experiences of Black officers. The authors argue that these individuals encounter a dual burden: navigating the inherent dangers of police work while simultaneously confronting pervasive racial bias from both the public and their own colleagues. The text provides a critical framework for understanding how institutional culture perpetuates inequality despite formal policies of integration.

Sociologists and criminal justice scholars frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the internal racial dynamics of police departments. Readers often note the academic rigor and the sobering nature of the personal accounts presented by the officers.