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We Own This City: A Detailed Exploration of Corruption and Police Brutality in Baltimore

Robert Reed

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Published in We Own This City: A True Story Of Crime Cops And Corruption

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Promotional Poster For The HBO Series 'We Own This City,' Featuring Images Of The Main Characters And The Tagline 'The True Story Of The Rise And Fall Of The Baltimore Police Department's Gun Trace Task Force. We Own This City: A True Story Of Crime Cops And Corruption

Every city has its secrets, but Baltimore's are darker than most. 'We Own This City,' the latest crime drama from HBO, delves into the depths of corruption and police brutality that have plagued this city for decades. Based on the nonfiction book of the same name by Justin Fenton, the series follows the rise and fall of the Baltimore Police Department's Gun Trace Task Force (GTTF),a unit tasked with combating the city's rampant drug trade.

The Characters

We Own This City's ensemble cast brings to life a diverse range of characters, each of whom plays a pivotal role in exposing the systemic corruption within the police department.

We Own This City: A True Story of Crime, Cops, and Corruption

by Justin Fenton

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4262 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	314 pages

Sgt. Wayne Jenkins (Jon Bernthal): A charismatic and ambitious narcotics detective who leads the GTTF. Jenkins is a master manipulator who uses his authority to extort money and terrorize the city's residents.
Det. Sean Suiter (Jamie Hector): A dedicated and honest homicide detective who becomes increasingly suspicious of the GTTF's activities. Suiter's relentless pursuit of the truth puts him in direct conflict with Jenkins and his corrupt colleagues.
Mayor Catherine Pugh (Phylicia Rashad): A respected politician who is determined to clean up the city's crime problem. Pugh is unaware of the extent of corruption within the police department, but she is forced to confront the truth when the GTTF scandal erupts.
William "Billy" Sorrentino (Josh Charles): A successful lawyer who represents the GTTF officers. Sorrentino is a master of negotiation who uses his knowledge of the law to protect his clients from prosecution.

The Plot

We Own This City's narrative unfolds over several years, beginning with the formation of the GTTF in 2005. The series chronicles the unit's rapid descent into corruption, as officers routinely engage in drug dealing, extortion, and other illegal activities.

As evidence of the GTTF's misconduct mounts, Det. Suiter and other whistleblowers within the police department begin to speak out. The resulting investigation exposes a vast web of corruption that extends to the highest levels of power.

The Implications

We Own This City is not just a crime drama; it is a scathing indictment of systemic corruption and police brutality in America. The series exposes the devastating impact of these problems on individuals, families, and entire communities.

Beyond the specific case of the GTTF, We Own This City raises important questions about the role of police in society. The series challenges us to confront the systemic racism, lack of accountability, and unchecked aggression that have plagued police departments across the country.

We Own This City is a powerful and unflinching look at one of the darkest chapters in Baltimore's history. The series is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in the intersection of crime, corruption, and social justice.

We Own This City: A True Story of Crime, Cops, and Corruption

by Justin Fenton

4.6 out of 5