Black & Blue: The Autobiographical Account of a Life and Career Discarded

One accident entirely changed the course of her life.

Jessie M. Reed-Benton was a single mother of three. She was also a police officer-and later a detective. But she never thought she'd be a victim of mistreatment by the very people she admired, trusted, and who were meant to care for her.

While police officers risk their lives every day on the job, very few people talk about what happens when they are injured but survive-until now. Jessie was on duty when she was involved in a horrific car crash that nearly killed her. She suffered serious injuries, but with determination and perseverance, she recovered.

Jessie returned to active duty and was promoted to detective status. A few months into her new role, she began to have recurring pain as a result of her injuries. What then ensued was a disgrace.

In a story told from Jessie's personal perspective as an injured cop just trying to get the medical treatment she needs, we learn how deceitful and unfair our own government can be to the very people who serve and protect it-and us.