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

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: cruise night, deployment period, foot pursuit, Los Angeles, South Central, Rodney King (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In the post-Rodney King era, the LAPD is still cleaning up its image, and this account of a cop's first year in the City of Angels could contribute to achieving that goal. Dunn joined the force in 1990 and was assigned to the Southwest division, one of the city's hot spots, with 25 identified gangs, whose membership numbered in the thousands, and double the city's felony-arrest average. In the course of the book, it becomes clear that the average L.A. cop is not a sadist or a racist but a conscientious worker mindful that, even in a high-crime area, the majority of residents are poor people trying to live within the law and avoid being killed by the warfare in their streets. Not that Dunn doesn't encounter oddball and embittered colleagues, but he also finds many who want to protect and serve. Among the cases he deals with are petty crimes committed by teen boys and girls without hopes and dreams, plenty of not-overly-bright burglars and muggers and some very hard types. Dunn ends on a high note with an account of an unusually vicious murderer put away for life. An effective, forceful report.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This is a refreshingly unpretentious first-person account of a rookie cop's experiences on the mean streets of L.A. Dunn tells of his first days: learning the ropes from more experienced officers, feeling the rush of adrenaline when confronting dangerous situations, learning the codes and behaviors of street gangs, confronting the fact of death, and developing the uniquely strong bonds that exist among individuals working under hazardous conditions. What sets this apart from many other cop narratives is Dunn's avoidance of self-aggrandizement and his ability to portray incidents realistically and dramatically. This fast-paced book is recommended for popular collections.
-?Ben R. Harrison, East Orange P.L., N.J.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company; 1st edition (November 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688147135
• ISBN-13: 978-0688147136
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #616,056 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy Reading, great perspective of police work., September 18, 1997

By	[e-mail] (Torrance, California) - See all my reviews

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

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A picky police officer gives it two thumbs up, November 17, 1999

By	Brian Hughes (Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews

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!)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, , October 20, 2005

By	R. Martinez (Persian Gulf) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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///