Why did Ben Sherman become a cop? Viewers learn in the episode "See a Woman," which originally aired on NBC. In the fall of 2009, Southland was picked up by TNT.
John Cooper: What the hell are you doing? People become cops for two reasons, alright. They need the paycheck or they like to carry a big gun and tell people what to do. Now you, you surely don't need the money. I don't think you're a freak. So what the hell are you doing here? Ben Sherman: I'm a cop, same as you're a cop.
Dr. Campbell: So, you're ten years old, your father walks out on you, drug dealers beat up your mom and, it's fine? Ben Sherman: And now I'm a cop, thank you Dr. Freud.