Customer Reviews

Boot: An L.A.P.D. Officer's Rookie Year

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have just finished reading "Boot" by William C. Dunn. This is an excellent book on police work and the perspective of a rookie cop. I am a sergeant, just shy of completing thirty years on the LAPD, and currently work with Bill. I am his supervisor. Bill's book is easy reading and well written. His stories are insightful, and brought back memories of my rookie year. I enjoyed reading his book. I sincerely hope he writes another one. If, and when he does, I will buy it and read it. His style of writing makes it so you don't want to put the book down, you want to keep on reading. Great job, Bill

I was skeptical, I am of most law enforcement related books that I read. Mr. Dunn, as you will see, has a very thoughtful and easy to understand approach to explaining something that no book will ever really accomplish. If you are interested in this as a career, buy it, it'll give you a clue and its worth your time. If you are already in the profession, buy it, you will learn something, and its worth your time. (you also wont be disappointed, trust me!)

I first read this book when I was in High School I thought it was great, few weeks later I joined the LAPD Harbor's Division Explorer Scouts. One day while working at the station I met Sgt. Feula (a character mentioned on the book) I was very surprised, he did not know his name was mentioned on the book. He took me on several ride-alongs and I learned alot from him few months later I shipped out for the Military, he retired and I never heard of him:.... ///Sergeant Feula if you ever see this messege; thank you for everything, day by day I get closer and closer to become an LAPD officer, I will take what I learned from you and put it to use... Martinez///

Anyone with an interest in the LAPD or police in general will want to read this book. An absolutely excellent title that is well written and hard to put down. William Dunn has done an excellent job capturing the essence of the LAPD officer's rookie year and the difficulties of learning what they don't teach you in the academy - especially the art of dealing with people, both inside and outside of the department. The stuff on the interaction between the LAPD and gang members is top notch. I gave this one a ten because it's one of those books that I may actually read again at some point. The only thing I can give Dunn a bad mark for is the fact that he hasn't written another! NOTE TO THE AUTHOR: Please - write another!

Dunn must be applauded for his first book about our nations best police department, The LAPD. Strap on the vest, log on with control, and hang on because BOOT takes the reader to the streets Lights and Siren! The reader is taken from Dunn's rookie year through monthly progressions and we see him grow into a better officer. Dunn freely admits his Tactical errors in a humorous way. Doh!! The reader is taken on a Great Year filled with humor, pursuits, tragedy all the elements for a great tale. I only hope BOOT was not the authors only endeavor. Truly a joy to read!! I have read it and underlined it Three times already. Highly recommended to not only those in law enforcement but everyone who wants an insight into those guys going code 3. What are they doing, HOW are they doing it? What are they Feeling? Read BOOT and you are taken there.So throw down that food,"We take our back ups seriously down here..."

This is an excellent look into the thoughts, emotions, and feelings that a rookie officer is going through in the first year as a police officer. It will give the reader an excellent idea of what it will be like, more or less as department standards vary, as a police officer. It walks the reader through 10 deployment periods and how it is each step of the way from beginner to a more experienced officer. I highly recommend it to anybody interested in a career in law enforcement.

Cops are always trying to get the elected folks who are in charge of their purse strings to spend some time with them in a patrol car before they vote on the police staffing levels, facilities and equipment. This book is a must read for them. Before you vote for the next supervisor or city council member your ought to ask them the question. Have you read LAPD Officer William Dunn's book called Boot? Have you ever done a ride-a-long in a patrol car?

Boot is also very educational tool and recommended reading for the growing corps of citizen volunteers across America who are becoming active in community oriented police (COP) programs.

Lastly, Bill Dunn makes it clear why every police department in the nation is beating on the doors of the LAPD to recruit its seasoned officers.

Officer Dunn's tale of brutal reality on the streets of Los Angeles not only enlightened me, it also bolstered my decision to join the LAPD. This book is required reading for aspiring police officers, especially for those seeking a career with the LAPD or other big-city departments. Dunn's book is exceptionally well written. His narration contains a perfect balance between humor and seriousness as he explains the almost unexplainable actuality of routine street crime. Had I not read BOOT, my perception of police work would have remained incomplete and inaccurate. This book will undoubtably enlighten any reader! I recommend William Dunn's BOOT with the highest regard and I sincerely thank the author for assisting me with my decision to join the LAPD.

I believe this is a fantastic book for anyone thinking of joining law enforcement - or just trying to get a feel for what its like to become a cop.
I've also just completed the book "Gangs of Los Angeles", a candid look into the world of LA street gangs. I've done my best to retell their history and explain their culture in a way only an LA street cop with gang expertise could.

This book is hands down the best book relating to firsthand police work I've read. Truly does give you a good sense of what it might be like to work in L.A. as a cop.