Customer Reviews

Behind the Badge: The Funny Side of the Thin Blue Line

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I never stopped laughing. I was a Deputy Sheriff from 1968 to 1992 and even remember some of the people and incidents that Harry Penny immortalized. For the average person many of his stories evoke an immediate, "No way!" For those who have been there, however, the immediate response is, "How true!" There is enough tragedy and disappointment in everyday police work to provide the much talked about stress to give some officers life long emotional problelms like PTSD. Being able to find things to laugh about provides a safety valve to lower that stress. Harry Penny has captured the funny side of law enforcement brilliantly!

I thought, sure, Police Humor, but the humor in this book is truly funny. It's also a great book to read in pieces - one that you can pick up and put down, though I'll warn you, sometimes it's hard to put down.

Harry Penny and his colleagues have turned out a great record of what happens behind the scenes in law enforcement, and of course, sometimes right in front of the video cameras. There is pathos and sadness in police work, but there are many light moments, which serve as the catharsis to get you through the violence and tragedy committed against the victims by the two-legged criminal predators. I probably crossed paths with Harry, being a 45-year veteran of law enforcement, half of which I spent in Los Angeles, and can relate right on to the vignettes, and some of the characters. My wife asked me several times "Why are you laughing out loud?"...and all I could say "Been there - done that!" Harry, superb job - I know my police buddies will enjoy and treasure this book. Being now retired, the book brought back some fond memories. Recommended reading and sharing!