Lieutenant Talbert 'Tal' Whitman is a member of the Santa Mira sheriff's office and a good friend of Bryce Hammond. Though Bryce is his boss, Tal not only respects Bryce, but also truly likes him. This creates a good work environment for both men, one that allows them to know that they can count on each other without question.
Raised in Harlem by his aunt, Tal is the product of an abusive home, a young man who could have gone wrong but instead chose to improve his life. Leaving the city of New York behind him, Tal winds up in California, living in the sun and enjoying a life in law enforcement.