Former Detroit homicide detective reflects on policing and identity in new art exhibition

For over 20 years, Khary Mason worked in the Detroit Police department and eventually became a detective for the city’s homicide unit. Looking back six years after leaving the department, he considers those training years a form of indoctrination and sees the work of “protecting and serving” communities as a means of controlling them.

He illustrates these reflections in his new exhibition “Friendly Fire: Scenes of Service, Searching for Safety." It is on display now at Irwin House Detroit through March. Mason joined the program to discuss his journey into service and why he chose to get out. 

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