It is a common discussion that parents of color have with their children about police. It’s called “The Talk.”

Bilel Smith had the talk with his father at 12 years old. 

“I needed my children to know what they were up against so they did come home at night,” said Bilel’s Smith’s father, Wallace Smith. 

“It’s a weight that naturally comes with our community and you have to accept it,” said Bilel Smith. 

Smith is having the conversation with his 6-year -old, Bilel Smith II. Like other parents of black and brown children, he is making sure his kids know what to do when they interact with a police officer. 

“These conversations have to happen,” said Smith. “Know that swallowing your pride doesn’t make you any less of a man. It makes you a smart enough man to make it home and that’s what it’s all about.” 

Tuesday’s announcement of a police brutality case of Christopher Pate serves as a reminder.  Two Rochester Police officers have been suspended without pay because of excessive force with Pate, an African American male.  Pate’s eye was fractured as a result. 

"When it hits home, now you can say that could have been you. That could have been any one of us going to the store or going home,” said Smith. 

“I know why you guys don’t want me to get in trouble because you guys might not be able to see me grow up,” said Bilel.

RPD is still conducting an internal investigation on officers Spenser McAvoy and Michael Sippel. Criminal charges will be decided by the district attorney's office.