An interesting book full of all kinds of information about the ins and outs of running a small town police department. Told in a very accessible, conversational style. Generally the authors will give practical information on a particular subject then go on to relate an anecdotal, often humorous, example of what has just been discussed. Totally worth a look for the anecdotal stories alone! Co-author Jack Berry relates many humorous stories involving what it's like to be a police officer in a town that caters largely to retired big city folks transplanted to a rural setting who aren't quite adept at having nature - both the wilderness and the wildlife - right outside their front doors.

The book also touches on more serious matters such as the procedures that have to go into place for murder, accidental death and the like. It gives a fairly well rounded view of the life of a small town cop.

While this is offered as a resource for writers, as a nonwriter some of the things I found most interesting were the types of things that never really occur to a person. The vital, unglamorous, even boring aspects of the day-to-day life of a small town cop. Things such as the salary of a rural police officer, the routine clerical chores, the realities of traffic patrol for a one man police department, manpower issues, jurisdiction, and the planning that has to go into something as seemingly simple as getting a day off.

I can't say this would serve as the ultimate or even the only resource for aspiring writers, but I do think it could serve as a great starting point to get the basics and a little more.

Co-author Jack Berry has over 30 years of law enforcement experience ranging from huge big city police departments to rural one man operations. He was one of the first responders on the scene when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as well as policing the streets during the riots that followed.


***Thanks to NetGalley and the book's publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this title

* I received a free copy by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *

This is an exceptionally informative book.
I found that every chapter held new information that I completely overlooked or just flat out had no idea existed. This is perfect for writers trying to learn more about small town law enforcement and procedure.
It's definitely a book that writers should keep handy on their reference shelf.