It stars Michael Boatman and Lori Petty as rookie Deputy Sheriffs who uncover a conspiracy around the arrest of a suspect (Ice Cube).

Woods defiantly proclaims his innocence, frustrating his lawyer, James Locket, who advises him to show less attitude in court.

At the same time, community activist Reverend Banks raises awareness of the death of a black prisoner whom he believes to have been murdered by the police while in custody.

When released, he delivers incriminating evidence to Locket that implicates Baker in various crimes, including the murder of the black prisoner and framing Woods.

Facing a widespread investigation of police corruption that goes to the city council and mayor's office, the district attorney offers to drop the charges against Woods.

The website's critics consensus reads, "The Glass Shield struggles under the weight of its worthy themes, but emerges as a flawed yet powerful look at systemic racism in modern America.

[4] While commenting on how it presaged the O. J. Simpson murder trial, Caryn James of The New York Times called it smart and compelling.

[5] Peter Ranier of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "It's a rigorous, angry piece of work, but it misses out on the psychological depths that have made Burnett's previous films among the glories of recent American independent moviemaking.

[7] Michael Wilmington of the Chicago Tribune rated it 3/4 stars and wrote, "It's unusual to see a police thriller told with this kind of care, subtlety, thoughtfulness and creativity.