NCJ Number
134786
Date Published
1992
Length
275 pages
Annotation
Written by a 24-year law enforcement veteran, this book contains an assortment of compelling stories about the realities of law enforcement.
Abstract
The stories are part of the officer's experiences and reflect high and low points, frustrations, and police traditions. Police officers tend to see unusual and negative aspects of society, and the vulgarity included in the book is intended to make the stories realistic. The author notes that many contacts the police have with the public have a hostile or serious nature. In order to keep their sanity, police learn to develop a sense of humor. The high visibility of the police profession, coupled with the strong focus of media attention on law enforcement, often exposes this humor to the general public without explaining why the humor exists and how it is used. Some of the stories may appear to be insensitive to ethnic background, race, sexual preference, religion, or gender, but this is not the intent. The author points out that the nature of police work generates a high level of stress and that police officers internalize much of their job instead of seeking professional help. The author hopes that other police officers will identify with the stories and thus feel more involved and supported in their work.