Velasco teams up with a community security guard eager to prove his mettle to find a suspect in the assault of two teens.
Velasco has leadership skills. When given the opportunity by Olivia, he delivers. He just needs the push. Others have to motivate him to do what he is naturally talented at. He is more than capable of being a fulfilling member of his community and a trusted resource at the precinct. He just doesn't naturally show those skills or put in the effort. Instead, he is rarely given the opportunity to shine. If the narrative wants the audience to view Velasco with an upward trajectory, then he needs to be in the spotlight more often. He can't just be the focus for a few episodes each season. His journey needs consistency in order for it to actually be understood as something more. Right now, he's simply a reliable member of the team. He and Olivia have had their conflicts in the past. He has proven his loyalty and devotion to the police. This is precisely where he wants to be. He's no longer the newcomer in the precinct. The team relies on him. He's a sturdy supporting member. This episode suggests he is capable of so much more. That means the development essentially has to happen all at once. It never dawned on him to take these steps despite engaging in this life for four years now.
Two teenagers are assaulted in a park near Velasco's apartment. The precinct enters his community. They expect him to provide greater insight into the people. Are they worried about any particular crimes? Does this assault fit a known pattern? Velasco can't offer any clarity. He only knows the general mentality. He doesn't engage with those nearby. The only connection he has is complaining to his neighbor about the loud music. That's his only social interaction outside of work. He moved to Washington Heights because that's where he got an affordable price on an apartment. It's not because he faced discrimination. That wasn't an obstacle he had to overcome. He moved to New York City. He got a job in the police department. He's part of a team. That work is meaningful. He doesn't need more than that. And yet, he has so much more to offer should he take that next step. He needs that encouragement from multiple people. Connecting with the history and community allows him to better do the job. That awareness is required because it allows for a more personal touch in policing.
The community doesn't trust the police. It's explained as the people often coming from countries where the police are incredibly corrupt. They doubt anything will be solved after involving the police. The officers are only out for themselves. They will help if they see some kind of personal benefit. It's not even an examination of this country's own complicated relationship with the police. They are needed to keep everyone safe. Yet they often overextend their authority and abuse people with their limitless power. That's not the hook of this particular story. Instead, it's all about forging relationships. Velasco doesn't have those resources. As such, the precinct is starting with nothing. They have to win over the community before being able to solve the crime. That takes time. Another assault occurs. The criminal escalates their behavior. The intensity increases quickly. The detectives understand how these criminals operate. This is a typical pattern. They only stop once they are caught. Getting away with the crime is just as thrilling as the act itself. This story requires more specificity. It needs someone from the community stepping up and carrying the responsibility of delivering justice. Velasco can't fill that role. And so, he elevates the voice that can.
Danny is a security guard with aspirations of becoming a cop. He wants to follow in his grandfather's footsteps. Yet he has failed to advance multiple times after taking the entrance test. The system doesn't notice him. So, he tries to garner that attention himself. His intentions are pure. He causes plenty of drama though. He becomes a neighborhood vigilante. He attacks someone for resembling the sketch of the suspect. The precinct wanted the help. They needed tips from the community to respond accordingly. Instead, they are met with a community ready to take justice into their own hands. They refuse to comply with the system. And so, they enact their own. That isn't right. The police can't abide by that. They need the city to follow the laws as they enforce them. That is a power trip. It's not what the overall story suggests. The narrative is meant to uplift the lives of these detectives. It's not suppose to be a criticism of how they engage with the world. It reaches the simple resolution of the criminal being caught and Velasco earning a good reputation in the neighborhood. He's accepted. He has no reason to leave now. He is finally laying down roots. It took time as well as a gentle nudge from Olivia and Fin. This offers purpose. He just needs to take ahold of it and demand more of himself. The show needs to remember that too. He can't simply do this and then retreat to the background moving forward.
