Officer: (noticing the camera)
You recording?
Stranger: (nods)
Yeah. Just making sure everything’s… fair.
Officer: (nods back slowly, calm tone)
That’s okay. You’ve got the right to.
I just hope you’re also recording what you don’t expect.
Stranger:
What’s that supposed to mean?
Officer:
I mean… if I help someone cross the street, or buy a sandwich for a homeless guy…
Will your camera be on then?
Stranger:
That’s not what people are worried about.
Officer: (softly)
I know. Some officers… they made it hard for folks to trust the badge. I won’t pretend otherwise.
But I put mine on to protect people — all people. Even the ones filming me.
Stranger: (lowers the phone slightly)
So you don’t mind?
Officer:
Nope. I’d rather you see the truth — even if it’s through a lens.
Maybe then, we stop being strangers and start being neighbors again.
Stranger: (quiet)
You always talk like that?
Officer: (chuckles)
Only when I’m being filmed.
[They both smile. The camera stays on.]
Officer:
Go ahead and keep filming.
Just don’t forget to look with your own eyes, too.
