Customer Reviews

The Department

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

 

 

This book is a great fiction read, but unfortunately the author didn't write it as such. Having worked with the author during the same time as many of the events in her book, I am quite familiar with the incidents she was involved in. Most of the 'drama' she incured was brought upon by her own actions.

One of the rules in law enforcement is don't become involved with the inmates you're responsible for guarding. She does admit to her "mistake" of giving an inmate her email address, but that is merely one sentence. She prefers to downplay her actions and place blame on others. She plays the victim quite well and it's unfortunate she cannot take responsibility for her termination. Everything that happened to her stemmed from her own actions. There are two sides to every story, but she adeptly diminishes the other side so the full truth is never disclosed. She exaggerates and blatantly lies, but I'm sure in her own mind she has convinced herself that she has been completely honest. I am sure writing this book was healing, but it would have been best if it would have remained a personal journal stuck in her desk drawer and not published.

She makes herself out to be self-centered princess, which was exactly what she was when I worked with her. Although she may blame others because of "jealousy," that's not the case. I, in fact, got along very well with her and it's a shame she has had to publish this and put her integrity into question.

I bought this book out of curiousity because I know the author, but don't waste your money. I would have rated it a 0, but that wasn't one of the options, so I gave it 1 star.

Having been a member of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department during the same period of time as the author's employment, I have a unique perspective on this work. First, the descriptions of the department's hiring, training, and detentions work is mostly accurate and some readers may find this information useful. However, the interpersonal issues she relates are common, but by no means unique to this department, law enforcement, or any workplace.

Second, as for the rumors and indiscretions she describes, politics, romances, and other dramas happen in every kind of workplace. True, law enforcement has one of the highest rates of infidelity and divorce, but the private sector has its share of scandalous behavior as well. And as for the specific behavior described by the author, the adage that there are two sides to every story is very applicable here. In this case, the "other" side has moved on to other more important concerns. It's regrettable that the author has not done the same.

But my biggest criticism of this book is the author's unwillingness to accept the justification for the department's desire to terminate her employment. In falsifying an official departmental report, she destroyed her effectiveness as a sworn peace officer. Imagine the author testifying under oath in court for the prosecution in a very important case. When the defense attorney asks "Have you ever falsified a statement in a report?" she will have to admit that she has. The court won't care about any "mitigating factors." The attorney will exploit this and guarantee the reasonable doubt in the mind of the jury. Her termination was not only justified, but imperative to the integrity of our system of criminal justice. The department cannot make exceptions for even minor cases of untruthfulness, whatever "mitigating factors" may be involved. A jury must have no doubt that the deputy on the stand representing the San Diego County Sheriff's Department has flawless integrity, otherwise the reputation and effectiveness of the entire department will suffer.

This book is like a bad movie: you choose it out of curiosity, yet, in the end, its $10 and two hours of your life that you can't get back. The process of writing this book was no doubt cathartic for the author. But while undeniably tragic, her personal crises are not significant enough to justify this purchase. For a much better written account of police life, I strongly recommend any of the books by Joseph Wambaugh, especially his latest, "Hollywood Station."

It takes alot of courage to write...we all know about our daily frustration while working for any Law Enforcement Department. It does not matter if its SO or PD... Reading about her struggles reminded me that I should have had the courage to stand up for the hurts and frustrations of my life. When you read the book, its not about Law Enforcement, its about her life and the road she traveled. Very easy book to read, so spend a few days enjoying a book about her courage of being a single mom and trying to do what is right. SDSO should be embrassed by the way they handle this employee. Those that work in Law Enforcement, know you have seen many Officers still working that have gotten away with huge mistakes and where given a few days on the Beach(suspension for law enforcement personnel). One last statement: Those that throw stones need to look at themselves because Love is a lifestyle and not just a word.