Some involved rude language.
Others alleged unnecessary physical contact.
In one incident, a middle-aged driver accused him of shoving her against a vehicle after she questioned the reason for a search.
In another, a teenager complained that the sergeant threatened arrest when he began recording a traffic stop from a nearby sidewalk.
The sergeant denied wrongdoing in each case.
A few complaints were closed without sufficient evidence.
Others resulted in counseling or informal supervisory action.
None prevented his promotion.
He had learned to interpret that history as proof that he was doing his job correctly.
His commanders trusted him.
His arrest numbers were strong.
And whenever someone challenged his conduct, a supervisor usually found a way to explain it.
The sergeant had stopped asking whether his behavior was appropriate.
He only asked whether he could justify it afterward.
That morning, the assignment came directly from the deputy chief responsible for administrative operations.
She was a powerful woman in her late forties who had spent years building relationships throughout the department.
She controlled access to certain personnel records.
Oversaw important contracts.
And possessed considerable influence over which complaints received immediate attention.
The sergeant had benefited from her support more than once.
So when she ordered him to secure the main entrance, he didn't question the unusual assignment.
He reported to headquarters.
Ten minutes later, a message arrived on his department-issued phone.
Senior-level visitor expected before eleven. Gray suit, brown briefcase. Use the main entrance. Confirm credentials before allowing access.
He frowned.
That sounded ordinary enough.
Then a second message appeared.
Visitor may claim an appointment with command. No exceptions without my authorization.
The sergeant typed a reply.
Understood.
A third message followed.
Handle it personally. Keep the lobby clear.
He slipped the phone into his pocket.
For the next hour, he stood outside headquarters questioning visitors more aggressively than usual.
Most people complied immediately.
A delivery worker presented his identification.
A courthouse employee showed a municipal badge.
Two officers entering for training were waved through.
Then, at 10:41, the sergeant saw a tall Black man approaching from the far side of the plaza.
Charcoal-gray suit.
Dark tie.
Brown leather briefcase.
The sergeant straightened.
He remembered the message.
And without realizing it, he began interpreting everything about the stranger through the assumption that the man was somebody who needed to be stopped.
The commissioner noticed the sergeant before the sergeant spoke.