Watch Flint Town

Flint Town is a gripping American documentary television series that premiered on Netflix on March 2, 2018. The show is set in Flint, Michigan, which became the focal point of controversy and national attention after the city emerged from a change in its water source. The series was directed by filmmakers Zackary Canepari, Jessica Dimmock, and Drea Cooper. The series comprises eight episodes that delve into the lives of police officers and citizens in the town, as they deal with social, political, and economic issues.

The series follows the Flint Police Department (FPD) as they attempt to combat violent crime, maintain community relationships, and operate with fewer financial resources than many other municipal departments across the United States. Flint Town also chronicles the personal stories of several individual cops, including Tim Johnson, Bridgette Balasko, and Robert Frost.

Tim Johnson is one of just seven existing black officers in the FPD. He has patrolled Flint for over 18 years, and he was formerly the head of the local chapter of the NAACP. In the first episode of the show, Johnson explains his belief that the FPD needs to build its relationships with residents, even though he recognizes that police face an uphill battle, as decades of social and economic decline have eroded the city's sense of trust. He works to understand the perspective of fellow officers and of the most vulnerable citizens alike.

Bridgette Balasko is a former State Trooper who transferred to the FPD so she could merge her previous experience with her commitment to the people in her hometown. Balasko becomes increasingly frustrated with constant budget cuts, a lack of training, and a department that feels like it is hanging on by a thread. However, she still maintains her integrity and pride in being a cop. Balasko's story is one of resilience and determination as she continues to push for reform in a town that is struggling.

Robert Frost is one of the newest members of the force, joining in November 2015 to kick off what would become an extremely deadly couple of years. In one episode, Frost is seen responding to the death of his friend who was brutally gunned down in a parking lot in Flint. This is the backdrop for Frost's story, a snapshot of the "pressure cooker" world of policing in Flint as the department tries to reduce gun and drug-related violence.

The show also features interviews with other officers, educators, pastors, and more who work on the front lines of Flint's ever-evolving landscape. The show pulls no punches, and the harsh reality of everyday life in Flint is often difficult to watch. Viewers steadily understand the depth and breadth of problems in the town, including widespread poverty, crime, and the lack of viable employment opportunities.

The series is visually stunning, and the filmmakers employ quick-cut editing and engaging camera work to provide a unique look into the lives of police officers, residents, and community leaders. Flint Town is a sobering reminder of how much certain areas of the United States has been left to languish, and of the difficult challenges that come with pursuing a career in law enforcement.

Overall, Flint Town is a hard-hitting, unvarnished view of one of America's most troubled towns. The show's most convincing quality is its realism, which is captured in painfully candid interviews with residents and officers alike. The show provides valuable insight into the catastrophic effects of economic downturn, urban decay, and racism. Flint Town is a deeply emotional show, and while it does cover some of the topics that will make you angry, it also offers glimmers of hope for the future. It is a compelling, must-watch series for anyone interested in law enforcement, social justice, and accountability.

Flint Town is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between March 2, 2018 and on Netflix