If you can't trust a police officer...

In recent years there has been a spate of books written by people doing interesting jobs telling their life story. The most successful has been Adam Kay (medical and very funny), the Secret Barrister (hard hitting expose of criminal justice system) and Neil Samworth (gritty tales from Strangeways prison officer). This is former police officer John Sutherland's second book and the first that he has read himself. I like to hear the author rather than a voice actor so selected this instead of his first book Blue: A Memoir.

The author speaks in short sentences with clipped diction with a melancholy tone about his career. Among the grumblings from the author subjects such as pubs and clubs (which he took pleasure in closing down), so-called cafe culture (which he derides), "Scousers" (who "like their football") and crumbling old boozers (homeless people) there are plenty of facts and figures regarding crime rates and the cost to the country of these crimes. It is not particularly political but is scathing about government reforms of the police service which have lead to low morale among frazzled officers and many , Mr Sutherland included, retiring in their 40s due to stress. He argues, quite rightly, the policing is about more than reducing crime levels.

The author wonders what causes terrorists with "twisted ideologies" to commit atrocities but offers no thoughts of his own on the subject. This book came over more as a sorry lament for the state of the world rather than the insight into the police that I had hoped for.

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Well written & thoughtful

Enjoyed this immensely. Written & read by a deeply thoughtful and compassionate man. Struck by his insights, his humanity and his clarity. Highly recommended.

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WOW

An eye opening book that helps us to get what I'm sure is just a glimpse of what the police force have to face on a daily basis. I hope this book makes a mark on enough people so that hope for change is no longer passive.

Heartbreaking, insightful and hopeful

As a nurse I always value glimpses and learning from other statutory professionals. The experience and insight shared is fascinating, it offers a glimpse of life’s complexity and considers solutions ...

wonderfully compassionate

This book was amazingly insightful! A wonderful summary of recent history. Really Touching and compassionate

The most important book you will read this year

An incredibly moving and compassionate look at the challenges facing modern policing and indeed, society as a whole. A must read.

Every Politician should read this book ...

This book is beautifully written from the heart. It is powerful, informative and non-judgmental. If politicians listened, understood and took positive action - it could well change the world. Congratulations

Amazing honest account of life in the JOB

John does not hold back in his honest account of the life the public don’t see. If one person who has dislike for the police read I’d listened maybe their opinion would change.

Brilliant!

I didn't want it to end! Just brilliant.
Such a great, compassionate look at the biggest problems in our society. Beautifully written and wonderfully read by John himself.

The police bible for all of us

Very well read by the author. We are taken into the head spaces and difficult spaces where our police and other public servants go on our behalf. Good to hear what happens not through the media not through political muddling. Everyone should read the last two chapters where there are solutions suggested. Sutherland does not deny bad practice but also shows us where lessons are learnt. We as a society need to take on some responsibility and hang in there as the author says, even when it get messy and is difficult. A hard read but I couldn't put it down.