Despite some improvements in race relations, some law enforcement officers are still facing emotional time serving on the front lines. Facing challenging situations on the job on a daily basis, they have to be forceful in making sure those conflicts don’t reflect their area or police force. That drive to improve the professional – and personal – lives of American law enforcement officers is chronicled in the upcoming documentary, ‘The Thin Black Line.’

The movie showcases African American law enforcement officers serving on the front lines. The feature was directed and produced by actor and filmmaker Jim Klock, who still serves as a part-time deputy sheriff with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office in Stafford, VA.

Stafford County Sheriff David Decatur granted full access to the sheriff’s office and personnel to obtain honest and unbiased insight. He hopes those visions will not only help bridge the gap between minorities and law enforcement officers throughout America, but also within his own department.

Global Digital Releasing is set to distribute ‘The Thin Black Line’ digitally on January 9. 2024. In honor of the project’s release, Decatur generously took the time to talk about making the documentary during an exclusive interview.

‘The Thin Black Line’ focuses on several topics currently dominating our news outlets and social media. It features comprehensive and impassioned interviews from multiple officers. The interviewees share what being an African American and a police officer means to them, especially during this volatile time in America where public tensions over racism have divided the public over the trust in American policing.

Film Factual (FF): Tell us about your own background in law enforcement, if you will?

Jim Klock (JK): I spent ten years full time before moving to part time in 2005 to pursue my passion of acting and film making. The majority of my career was spent working in specialized units including my last two as a narcotics detective.

FF: And when did the idea of the documentary come up?

JK: In the summer of 2020 I was speaking with my old partner, who happens to not only be an amazing human and police officer, but also a person of color who influenced me greatly in my career. I could hear in his voice the toll everything happening across the country was taking on him. Then he opened up to me about all these feelings he was having – not only as a police officer, but also as a black man.

We spoke about a variety of elements that needed to changed and be addressed. People deserved better, and the profession needed to embrace that.  We both were well aware that we didn’t have all the answers, but one thing we both did know was the fact that less men and women of color in law enforcement was not the answer.  He opened up to me that he was afraid the current situation was going to cause a major shift of minorities joining law enforcement, and he was right.

How did it come together? Was it a long time in the works?

It came together rather quickly. Like I said, I’m still currently a part time sheriff with the Stafford County Sheriffs Office in Stafford, VA, where I serve as a special deputy assigned to Sheriff David Decatur.

We’re very close friends, and he’s truly an amazing sheriff. He’s humble, compassionate, kind, and has a huge heart for people.

I soft pitched him the idea for the documentary and he immediately said yes. He was also willing to identify officers who may want to take a part in the film. He gave them full freedom to speak from the heart, and gave me full access without any restrictions. He just wanted the officers to speak their truth, in a safe environment. His hope was to learn, grow, and be a part of inspiring conversation to invoke change in a positive way.

FF: What’s the motivation behind the film? What do you hope people take from it?

JK: Love. Honestly, it’s simply love. My life was changed dramatically as young police officer being loved on, educated and accepted by several incredible police officers of color. I wouldn’t be who I am today without these amazing men and women who encouraged and inspired me. My eyes were opened to implicate biases and what true compassion can look like when we lead with love for one another.

I’m so grateful and blessed. So I just wanted to somehow show my gratitude by creating an opportunity for these amazing officers to share their hearts with people.

I tell everyone, this is not a “pro cop” film; this is a “pro people of color” film. These people who are doing amazing work in the face of adversity – which, myself as a white man, will never truly understand – all they are doing to try and make our communities safe and our world just a little bit better.

My desire is that people take away the understanding that there is hope when they watch this film, hope for what honesty, transparency, and compassion for each other can lead too. Thank you.

Written by: Arnold Herczeg