Bennett Hinds

Where the Sun Didn't Shine Bennett Hinds

It's about time. This is the first true story about a much-decorated African American New York city police officer. In the 1960s in Harlem, NYC, street crime was rampant on all levels. To most of the city's two million blacks and Hispanics, conditions were worse than ever. These conditions existed due to white racism over the years that was entangled with political and social greed. The political powers then held a meeting in city hall. Included in this meeting were the mayor, police commissioner, and the then congressman of Harlem. As a result of that unprecedented meeting, they reached out for volunteers from very young black and Hispanic officers in search of motivated, dedicated, committed, aggressive, and fearless officers, letting them be aware that there will be a high probability that some may be killed due to their all-out approach in eliminating gun runners and street narcotics conditions. Of 383 who volunteered, 20 were handpicked and called the New York City Police Department PEP Squad. Bennett Hinds was one of the members of this elite group. Three were killed and one crippled for life. None of the 17 survivors were ever promoted.