A Darker Shade of Blue, Keith Merith
A Darker Shade of Blue, Keith Merith
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A Darker Shade of Blue
A Police Officer's Memoir

Author: Keith Merith

Narrator: Bill Andrew Quinn

Unabridged: 11 hr 14 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 04/16/2024


Synopsis

When sixteen-year-old Keith Merith finds himself pulled over, berated, and degraded by a white police officer, he's outraged. He's done nothing wrong. But the officer has the power, and he doesn't. From that day on, he vows to join a police service and effect change from within.

Twelve years and a multitude of infuriating applications later, Merith is finally hired by York Regional Police. Subjected to unfair treatment and microaggressions, he perseveres and gradually rises through the ranks, his goal of systemic change carrying him through. After a stellar career, Merith retires at the rank of superintendent, but his desire for sustained and equitable reform is stronger than ever.

In A Darker Shade of Blue, Merith shares both his gut-wrenching and heart-warming experiences and advocates for immediate police reform in a balanced and level-headed manner. He praises the people in blue, but he also knows on a visceral level that there are deep issues that need to be rectified—starting with recruitment. He knows that law enforcement agencies should reflect the communities they serve, and that all citizens should be treated equally. Entrusted with the duty to serve, Merith delivers an evocative perspective of policing by providing the opportunity to walk in his shoes, as a Black man, and as a police officer on the front lines.

About Keith Merith

Retired police superintendent Keith Merith ended his thirty-one-year tenure in 2017 after holding command positions, including Bureau Commander of Information Services and Court Services and Officer-In-Charge of Investigative Services and the Organized Crime Bureau. Keith volunteers with various organizations mandated to pursue social justice, police reform, and equality. He lives in Newmarket, Ontario.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Natalie on April 14, 2025

It is hard to rate someone else's life, but in terms of interesting content and readability, this was great. I have an interest in the policing profession, so it was great to learn more about the inner workings. I appreciated all that he was willing to share that was personal to him and his experien......more

Goodreads review by Jacqueline on April 19, 2024

A true eye opener, this book is both easy to read and hard to read at the same time. Keith's stories are crazy interesting, often jaw-dropping. About halfway through, he asks "What is it about white privilege that is so hard to understand?" It's hard, Keith, way harder than it should be. This book g......more

Goodreads review by Kevin on August 08, 2025

I'm really having a hard time reviewing this book. I feel like I need to start this off by saying that Keith Mareth sounds like an exceptional individual and someone that I would like to listen to for hours. He weaves between his personal and professional life effortlessly and has a clear knack for......more

Goodreads review by Shannon on November 13, 2023

I must say, as I began reading the first chapter of this book, my attention was not caught in the way I originally anticipated. The beginning paragraphs discuss the oppression of POC across history and reminds its readers that no matter how many times you've heard it: racism is deeply engrained in o......more

Goodreads review by Angie on August 30, 2024

There is a quote very early on that in my opinion perfectly explains the reason for and purpose of this book: The book will discuss why race matters, both internally within a police organization and externally, and touches on the importance of social justice reform. It is about Black and brown and I......more