If you're interested in the Police perspective, this is for you!
920766
Very interesting read.  A very realistic account of "small town politics" which weighs down the heart with sadness.  Ret. Det. Thomas did a wonderful job at painting the case, it's flaws, it's challenges, and at explaining the resistance met with the evidentiary truth.  Prosecutorial discretion is a hell of a thing!
2384902
I am from Memphis and remember how painful it was to listen to the news reports while this event was taking place. I thought the style of the book was very good for me to read. The perspective from the different people involved was interesting. There were a lot of details that weren't released at the time of the event. It shed more light on what happened during that 30 hours. I can understand how each group of people involved could have the feelings they had but I don't understand how people of any race could condone what happened to the police officers. They were assaulted first. I am sorry for the loss of all the people's lives on both sides. I feel that the time given to surrender was ample, therefore the police had to do something. The whole neighborhood was being affected by the incident. I hope the police department learned valuable lessons on how to negotiate with mentally ill people and officers have learned not to put themselves in imminent danger entering places full of people that could be unpredictable. And to those who participated in the whole thing, when you know what the laws are and you break them, be prepared to suffer the consequences. The grammar at times was not correct, but was still an easy and quick read. Hope something like this never happens again anywhere!
4550714
There's something in this book for everyone. For the law enforcement officer - whether you're a rookie, a seasoned vet, or retired like me - this book will speak to you. In many ways, it will also speak for you. For the spouses and loved ones of law enforcement, this book will give you a deeper understanding of your officer. It may even fill in some of the blanks, providing a voice for the stories and experiences that your officer may be unwilling or unable to share himself/herself. For the general public, this book will offer you a glimpse into the minds, hearts, and souls of police officers everywhere.

Read the book. It's worth your time and effort.
2261022
This book gives readers an inside perspective on just how powerful and self serving politicians in New Jersey can be toward those tragic incidents that can easily occur in the dangers of law enforcement.  Racial profiling was a hot topic in the mid to late 90's that changed police work through-out the entire country.  This book gives you a front seat perspective on the two New Jersey State Troopers who were at the center of that very political issue and how they were used in an attempt to further the careers of not only the Governor of New Jersey at that time, Christie Todd Whitman, but also a young Attorney General, Peter Verniero.

The book details the human side of the story, as told by John Hogan, one of the two troopers involved in the very public and now historical April 23, 1998 shooting of four black, unarmed motorists, on the New Jersey Turnpike.  The New Jersey Turnpike, which is well know in the law enforcement community to be a main corridor for drug carriers, was targeted in the late 80s and 90s as a "hot bed" for drug interdiction.  While the issue of racial profiling has taken its toll on drug interdiction, the truth of the matter is that politicians in New Jersey were very supportive of the New Jersey State Police when this drug interdiction served them well.  However, as political views changed and the need for urban votes, for the future ambitions of those in office at the time of this incident,  the New Jersey State Police and specifically these two troopers became the instrument.  What really happen that night was a tragic chain of events that had nothing to do with profiling, but the dangers that were and still are faced by Jersey Troopers everyday on the Turnpike and other roads in New Jersey.

The stories told in this book will give readers another perspective on this topic and shed some much needed light on the backdoor dealings that took place during this dark period of time in New Jersey State Police, and law enforcement in general not only here in New Jersey, but through-out the entire country.
3662256
I'll say I love it because so far it is verbatim to what I teach in our Police Academy (a Dept of 350 officers).  With that, I have also picked up a thing or two and am only half way through it.  I was cautious of ordering it because I only know Dave from the TV shows, which I usually steer clear of.  But in this case he has presented useful and realistic information.
2579533
Very compelling police story. At times, I was on the seat of my pants waiting for the next exciting event. Well written and an excellent insight into the lives of police and the politics behind the scenes of police forces and their departments. Highly recommend this book.
3688466
Dragon Badge takes us on a journey through everyday street cops day to day lives, as they slowly discover that things are not as they always believed. People obsessed with seeming-less empty jars, strange red men, mysterious beatings and maniacal creatures are running a muck throughout the city and and they are all looking for one man, Michael Prim, one of the street cops that you get to follow throughout Dragon Badge.

In the beginning of Dragon Badge Scott Moon gives you a really good look at the inner workings of being a street cop in Blue Point, as you are given the opportunity to follow a number of different cops through their day to day run ins. I like to relate it to watching an episode of Cops and in my opinion  that is sort of how Scott Moon tells the story, instead of getting one point of view or one cops opinion on what is happening in the city, we get multiple points of views with multiple opinions. But despite all the differences, it really all boils down to the same thing. Weird crap is happening all over the city and no one knows what the hell it is, or what the hell it means.

I both liked and disliked the level of mystery that surrounded the weird happenings in Blue Point. On one hand, it kept me reading and interested; on another, it frustrated me and made me feel lost at times. I just wanted answers, so I kept reading. My main problem comes from the fact that even though I finished the book, I still found myself a little confused as to who or what exactly was going on in Blue Point.

Names of creatures are thrown around but never really explained and that left me on the line between frustrated and fascinated. I was frustrated because I expected to have a certain level of clarity upon finishing Dragon Badge, but all I got was more confusion. But despite that confusion I can say I am curious to learn more about this world that Scott Moon has begun to uncover in Dragon Badge.

I enjoyed the fact that Scott Moon gave me the opportunity to get to know many different characters throughout the book and I really enjoyed the realistic approach to the life of a street cop that he took with Dragon Badge and the small peek he gave us into his magical world. I just wished it was a bigger peek.

Overall I liked the story, but I couldn't help but feel lost at times. I thirsted for more of that magical world, as well as a bigger explanation of that world. But I can say that I am looking forward to peeling back another layer of this story and I hope to see a second installment in which I get more of my questions answered as well as more of that magical world that Scott Moon touched on.
3736704
Have been interested in this case from the beginning. This account of actual police/investigator is enlightening. Appreciate the information and hope it truly is credible. Definitely worth a read for interested persons.
2499248
The author composes the most realistic and accurate description of the job I have read.  I came on in the class directly after his, starting the December after he graduated.  His description of the hoops required to get on, the way a new guy is treated and what the job is like day in and day out is accurate and exceptionally depicted.  I was impressed with the description of the first collar, the way you think it is important while the bosses see it as a bother.  I went to a precinct across I-95 from where he lived and know his precinct very well and his descriptions of the neighborhood, the people and the job are accurate.

As for failing the DOLE, I can see both points.  I tend to give cops the benefit of the doubt as the NYPD is a vindictive job where bosses will screw a guys career over a perceived slight.  This did not happen to me, but I have seen it many times.  Having said that, the officer made mistakes but who has not?!  Cutting off your old friends is easier said then done, but is necessary and he should have been a little more careful, especially since he seemed to understand the esteem with which the jobs hold the anonymous cop.  The girlfriend thing, I was not there and won't pass judgement or comment.  Yes, he tested dirty and the coke was in his system, that is all the job cared about.  How it got there is something they do not care about at all.  I respect his decision regarding IAB as well.  I don't know any cop who would hesitate to rat a truly corrupt cop, but they usually stick out and don't need a guy who is jammed up holding a light on them.  I would not have trusted the job in that situation either, like another author said, "you can love the job kid, just don't expect it to love you back".  Good luck buddy, I don't know you but half the 46 showed to a 13 I called on 219/WPR and I never forgot it!
4799165
Easy read, giving those who don't have inside knowledge, a first hand look at the many faces behind the badge.  Not only the police officers, but the many people who assist and are an intricate part of those who selfishly put their lives on the line everyday.  I enjoyed the personal stories, the fears, tears, and triumphs.  I recommend reading and feeling what goes through the minds of those who serve and protect.  God bless our Officers, First Responders, Fire Fighters, and the countless others behind the scenes who make it work.
2951949
My favorite book of the year was Ghettoside: A True Story of Murder in America by Jill Leovy.  Both are about policing in LA.  Blue gives the historical perspective and Gettoside dives into the day-to-day policing on the ground and the cultural/historical perspective of police-Afro American relationships from the deep south, especially Mississippi and Louisiana where many of LAs blacks migrated from. I believe Blue's  strongest contribution is how the relationship of the LA mayors and the police commissioners played an integral role leading up to Watts in 1964 and the Rodney King riots in 1992.  These relationships and the strengths/weaknesses of the mayors and commissioners also drives the key story line of the book - The Battle to Redeem American Policing.  While this story  focuses on LA, Bill Bratton, and his philosophy on policing the discussion is relevant to policing across the nation.  Bratton was police commissioner in New York City, and Boston before moving to LA in 2002, was instrumental in advancing COMSTAT, stop and frisk, and broken windows theories during his career.  (Bratton is again Police Chief in NYC)  While Bratton was widely lauded in the '90s thought the first decade of the 21st century, there is more scrutiny and questioning of side-effects of these methods - especially since Ferguson.  I highly recommend both book for a perspective you will not find by reading the headlines, watching TV, or from the opinions of a few columnists or pundits.
1182833
I found this book by accident, having wandered my local bookstore after they didn't have something I wanted.  Am I glad I did!
The subject matter, given in the title, is one which has interested me for more than a decade.  My best friend, then a San Diego County Sheriff's Detective, was listening to one of my LE (law enforcement) interactions.  I grew up waving to cops; they waved back.  But now they don't.  And when I have to talk with (which happens a lot in my job) they are officious and distant.  They'll wear their sunglasses indoors to avoid eye contact, and they will demand instant performance of their "requests" on pain of arrest.  When I asked one to move a car blocking my driveway (he was writing a ticket) I was told to "back off or I'll arrest you for interfering."  When a friend called to report she'd been threatened at knifepoint by her tenant she was told to request a restraining order.  When I tried to make a complaint on both incidents they refused to accept them.  Why am I treated like a suspect when I've done nothing wrong?  Why can officers not be courteous like they used to?  My friend told me it was because that's the way the public wanted them to be.  I didn't believe him, and set out on a 10+ year research effort to figure out what he meant.
This book doesn't answer this question any better; not directly at least.  But it does set the stage by pointing out that the mentality of policing has changed from one of respect for the citizens to a relaxed (if nonexistent) tolerance for us as merely potential "collateral damage."  We get in the way of their rush to protect us from bad guys, only to find out that many times there are no bad guys.
Why does my local police force need an armored vehicle?  I live in a small city (four square miles) of 54,000 people, with a sworn police force of almost 100 officers.  Why does any police force need bayonets, given away by the Department of Defense almost upon request?  The answer, for no good reason, is because they can.  Policing has become a war of intimidation, with "collateral damage" consisting of innocent people killed or traumatized for years, and sometimes with officers killed.  Along the way, the police have lost support from the people they protect.
Mr. Balko places the blame squarely where it belongs, on the politicians who declare war all too often, sometimes creating statistics from the ether, and requiring that the citizens live in fear when, in truth, there is nothing to be afraid of except them.  The book is filled with anecdotes of botched raids, stupid decision, and 20-20 hindsight.  While some reviewers were distracted by the author's apparent support for casual drug use I did not see it with the same pervasive tone.  The War on Drugs was used as an excuse by police agencies, first for the beginnings of militarization, and second as the ongoing funding source.  In the need to show results, police lie under oath, judges never question it, and politicians foment additional fear.  That's simply the backdrop, and the lack of Constitutional scholarship among the politicians, and especially our Supreme Court, made that happen.  We the people should not tolerate it.
The book is filled with real life anecdotes, showing the initial justification and the effect of policy decisions made before most of us were born.  Along the way are countless tragedies.  Who knew that 10% of the SWAT raids in New York were on mistaken locations, or based on false information?  At almost 500 raids a year, that means 50 families traumatized, or worse, by black clad robocops shouting obscenities in the early morning hours to people awakened by a flash-bang grenades, then tied up on the floor and made to watch while the government trashes their homes, breaks their stuff, shoots their dogs, and then leaves without apologizing.  It is a story that is repeated all too often, and yet one with an easy solution that no one in authority cares to see.
434176
The history of the NYPD is one that is filled with countless stories of heroism and bravery. Murder at the Harlem Mosque is just one of those, but at a much deeper level it is also a look into the dark and seedy realm of politics. For a Mayor, with aspirations of a much higher office, and his sycophant Police Commissioner, the killing of a police officer in an already racially charged city is the last thing you would want, let alone a killing in a mosque led by a national recognized individual. So what do you do? You make sure it goes away as quickly as you can.

If you believe that it couldn't happen, you would be quite wrong. Murder in the Harlem Mosque has all the makings of a gripping fiction novel destined for the best sellers list, the only problem is it is 100% real.

The author, Sonny Grosso, is a retired NYPD Detective, who along with his partner, Randy Jurgensen, (author of the book:&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Circle-of-Six-The-True-Story-of-New-York-s-Most-Notorious-Cop-Killer-and-the-Cop-Who-Risked-Everything-to-Catch-Him/dp/1932857850/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Circle of Six: The True Story of New York's Most Notorious Cop Killer and the Cop Who Risked Everything to Catch Him</a>&nbsp;led the investigation into the death of Patrolman Phil Cardillo back in 1972. The book chronicles a dark chapter in NYPD history when the hierarchy turned their back on one of their own all for the sake of political expediency.

Written in the typical no-nonsense way that only cops can write, Grosso takes the reader into a world seldom seen as he investigates a crime that still haunts many to this day some forty years later. Once you pick this book up you will not want to put it down. You will see the names of people who are still in the public eye today, including a sitting congressman who played a major part. By the end you will be left wondering how something like this could have ever happened and you will see it all through the eyes of the detectives who wouldn't back down.
655324
I love it!  There are some bad eggs out there, but cops, by far are awesome!  They're there to Serve and Protect!  They do.  Show them some love!
4390301
I liked the insights gained from seeing things from the medical examiner's side instead of the police side (I read way too many police procedurals).  The author's viewpoint was especially interesting because she was new at her profession.
3604112
There's nothing especially new in this book - - but I mean that as a compliment.  This novel reads like all the tv cop shows and movies you've ever seen rolled into one.  Seasoned cops, rookie cops, gangsters, action, character development and authenticity - - it has it all.  This is an exciting book that gives the reader a glimpse of the inside world of police work complete with its temptations, truth and lies.  I haven't read the earlier "Rizzo" books - - but I will!
592322
I also had the pleasure of knowing and working with Dennis over the years. I found the book held my interest because it was about CPD and Chicago. The places that he talked about and the characters were real people. He also researched his work to make sure he was right on. Nothing worse for a policeman, than reading a book and the author knows nothing about police work, forensics, court system or the people they deal with day in and day out.