estimated the national total of reserve officers at 400,000. while some reserve officers receive modest compensation, most work without pay, and many are expected to provide their own uniforms and equipment. even within a single department, training requirements can vary widely." joining me now, former baltimore police officer peter moskos author of "cop in the hood." peter, i did not know about this institution, so maybe let's start with the specific case and move to the general. in this specific case i feel like how is it -- how is it that this guy is brought along on what police are anticipating is going to be an undercover gun buy and, therefore, will have some element of danger? >> this guy -- i don't know if there's cause and effect, but this guy gave money to the sheriff's campaign. the sheriff is an elected official. that's part of the problem. he's a politician, so he gives him a couple thousand dollars