Nonfiction
Date Published: August 18, 2021
From shootouts and robberies to riding in cars with pimps and prostitutes, Frederick Reynolds' early manhood experiences in Detroit, Michigan in the 1960s foretold a future on the wrong side of the prison bars. Frederick grew up a creative and sensitive child but found himself lured down the same path as many Black youth in that era. No one would have guessed he would have a future as a cop in one of the most dangerous cities in America in the 1980s---Compton, California. From recruit to detective, Frederick experienced a successful career marked by commendations and awards. The traumatic and highly demanding nature of the work, however, took its toll on both his family and personal life---something Frederick was able to conquer but only after years of distress and regret.
Interview with Fredrick Douglass Reynolds
What was the hardest scene from your book to write?
Well, that’s a difficult question because there were so many scenes that were hard to write, starting with my father’s addiction to alcohol, my upbringing and contentious marital relationship between my parents. I went down a dark path that involved drugs and jail time, I was homeless for a time, and I working the night two of my fellow officers, who just happened to be friends as well, were brutally murdered.
Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?
I chose this genre because I lived it for 32 years. I was a police officer and deputy sheriff in the worst areas of Los Angeles County and worked in the gang unit and as homicide detective for the majority of that time. I wanted to write a book where the reader could smell the odors that I smelled; where the reader could feel the danger and my fear as I felt it. Moreover, I wanted the reader to experience the joy of helping someone in need.
If you write in more than one genre, how do you balance them?
I haven’t had a chance to experience that yet but if and when I do, I expect the balance to be seamless because my first book actually is a balance of genres; it is a mixture of thrilling, almost unbelievable stories of heroism and sometimes cowardice, and most importantly, the human experience regardless of profession.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
The fact that I was able to unburden my self of all the trauma that I had carried with me from my childhood and throughout my profession. I was always taught that cops don’t cry; that only weak men cry. But as I wrote this book I found myself crying on numerous occasions as I confronted long-dormant issues. The writing of this book was as therapeutic as if I had spoken with Sigmund Freud himself.
What book that you have read has most influenced your life?
“Pimp” by Robert (Iceberg Slim) Beck, and not in the way that you would think based on the title. Beck was a brilliant child who had a tumultuous childhood and difficult relationship with his mother. My life paralleled his in that regard.
Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
I am an avid Marvel comic book fan, and for the sake of modesty, an extraordinary artist in my own right.
Can you tell us something about your book that is not in the summary?
I would love to. But I won’t. I don’t want to spoil the rollercoaster ride. I want you in the front seat with your hands thrust above your heads in anticipation of that first, ridiculously steep drop.
About the Author
Frederick Douglass Reynolds is a former Compton police officer and a retired LA County Sheriff’s Homicide Sergeant with a combined 32 years of experience working some of the worst areas of Los Angeles County. He retired in 2017 with over seventy-five commendations including a Chief’s Citation, five Chief’s commendations, one Exemplary Service Award, two Distinguished Service Awards, two Distinguished Service Medals, one city of Carson Certificate of Commendation, three City of Compton Certificate of Recognition, one city of Compton Public Service Hero award, one California State Assembly Certificate of Recognition, two State Senate Certificates of Recognition, a County of Los Angeles Certificate of Commendation, one Meritorious Service Award, two City of Compton Employee of the Year Awards, and two California Officer of the Year awards. He lives in Southern California with his wife, Carolyn, and their daughter Lauren and their young son, Desmond. They have six other adult children and nine grandchildren.
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