OFFICER REED:
(Annoyed)
Sir, I’m going to need you to stop recording.
JAY:
(Steady, not aggressive)
Respectfully, Officer, I’m in a public space. It’s my right.
OFFICER REED:
It’s interfering.
LISA:
(Chimes in)
He’s just filming. He’s not in your way. It’s for his protection—and yours.
OFFICER REED:
People like to twist things on camera. I don’t need that.
JAY:
Then there shouldn’t be anything to twist, right?
OFFICER REED:
You don’t understand the pressure we’re under. Every move we make is scrutinized.
JAY:
I get that. But imagine the pressure of living every day afraid you’ll be misunderstood—or worse—because of how you look.
LISA:
(Softly)
Recording isn’t an attack. It’s accountability. It goes both ways.
OFFICER REED:
(Beat. Sighs.)
You’re right. Just… stay back. Don’t interfere.
JAY:
Deal. No problem with you doing your job. Just doing mine as a citizen.
(A moment of mutual understanding passes between them. The tension breaks a bit. Officer Reed nods once, and Jay lowers his phone slightly, still filming but respectful.)
