“First of all, I represent myself. Second of all, I represent my family...and then third of all, you know, my community.  Then fourth of all, the police department.  That’s the last thing I represent, because that’s just my job; that’s what pays my bills, and that’s what allows me to do what I do for my family. But, I tell people all the time, I’m a black man first. I’ve been a police officer for almost 19 years, but I’ve been a black man for 43...”

~Ty Hunt

The Hunt

He’s my friend. We met as middle school kids who went to different middle schools, connected by athletics. Always, consistent in his personality and demeanor, he comes from a wonderful family and he’s made the transition of being a great son, to being a great husband and father, seamless. An East Carolina University graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications Media Production who began his policing career in 2003 in the little town of Conover, North Carolina, Ty Hunt is a Patrolman for the City of Atlanta, since 2007, who is currently assigned to the airport. He’s a husband, father, friend, avid hunter, black man and a police officer. Ty Hunt is a Police Officer. A Police Officer during a time when it seems that racial tensions are higher than they have been since the 60’s. I can’t imagine being in his dichotomous position, but our conversation shares not only his viewpoints of the current situations in our country, but also his triumph in his career and longevity as a black man who just happens to be a Police Officer. 

Hunting For Self

We discussed his passion for his family, his heritage and his heart for doing what’s right. I learned of his trek to Africa to find his roots and by finding out more of who he is, helps him to be not only a better family man and person as a whole, but it most definitely helps him be a better Police Officer. What I learned from Ty during our conversation, was that it seemed being steeped in self-awareness, foundational knowledge, great communication skills and a genuinely good conscious, Ty has been able to increase his ability to positively manage his career as an Officer. He’s just a good person and like those of us who question some of the choices of his fellow brothers in blue, he doesn’t understand either. 

Baggage Claim

I asked difficult questions and Ty was able to share his heart coming from a man who is a Police Officer that happens to be a 6’5” 270+ pound Black man...he gets looks, questions and misunderstanding from his culture as well as questions and stares from those who don’t look like him. We unpacked a lot of heavy baggage during our brief time together, but I believe that what you hear will be enlightening and encouraging. It’s good to know we have Officers like Ty out there in the world. I can only hope we see more of them stand up and come out more often. 

What I have learned through this interview was that life as a police officer isn’t always what we think or hear all the time. These men and women go through all types of turmoil, stress and angst because of the profession they have chosen; yes, it was a choice. I have to remind myself of that. Just as all of us go to work, or complete the daily tasks we have been assigned and paid to do, we are all faced with ethical decisions that we have to make, that could possibly change someone’s life. There are coworkers we have had that may or may not have made the best decisions and sometimes we spoke up, and other times, we let it go. What does that mean? After my conversation with my friend, a person I’ve known for a long time and felt as if I could trust, I realized that being a black man, who is a Police Officer in America in 2021 looks differently for so many in so many ways. A lot of my opinions were changed through this conversation. The Officer was an eye opener for me.