Book Review: What Cops Know: Cops Talk About What They Do, How They Do It, and What It Does to Them by Connie Fletcher

Connie Fletcher’s What Cops Know: Cops Talk About What They Do, How They Do It, and What It Does to Them is a groundbreaking oral history that offers a compelling, unvarnished look into the lives and minds of police officers. First published in 1990, this book remains a vital read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of law enforcement and the individuals behind the badge. Fletcher, a professor of journalism, masterfully compiles the voices of over a hundred Chicago police officers, creating an insightful mosaic of perspectives.

The Book’s Structure and Approach

What Cops Know is organized thematically rather than chronologically. Fletcher divides the book into sections such as crime scenes, interrogation techniques, street-level realities, and the personal toll of police work. Each section consists of direct, often raw, first-person accounts from police officers. This oral history approach is effective in capturing the diversity of experiences and emotions within the profession.

The structure allows readers to explore specific facets of policing while maintaining a cohesive narrative that underscores the complex, multi-dimensional nature of the job. Fletcher’s decision to let the officers speak for themselves results in an authentic and deeply personal portrayal of law enforcement.

Key Themes Explored

1. The Psychological Impact of Policing The book doesn’t shy away from the emotional and psychological toll that law enforcement exacts on its practitioners. Officers discuss the stress, trauma, and cynicism that often accompany the job. Many describe the difficulty of separating work from personal life, as well as the long-term effects of witnessing humanity's darkest moments.

2. Crime and the Streets Fletcher includes vivid, sometimes harrowing, descriptions of crime scenes and investigations. These accounts highlight the stark realities of violence and its aftermath. Officers recount stories ranging from homicides to domestic disputes, offering insight into the gritty, often chaotic nature of their work.

3. Interrogation and Observation Several chapters delve into the art and science of interrogation. Officers reveal how they rely on intuition, body language, and psychological tactics to extract information. Their reflections shed light on the human behavior patterns that help solve crimes.

4. Ethics and Corruption The book does not sugarcoat the moral dilemmas and potential for corruption in law enforcement. Some officers candidly discuss the gray areas of their work, including moments when they bent or broke rules to achieve what they believed was a just outcome.

5. The Culture of Policing The camaraderie, humor, and unspoken codes of conduct within police departments are recurring themes. These anecdotes reveal both the supportive and, at times, insular nature of police culture.

Fletcher’s Narrative Choices

Fletcher’s journalistic neutrality enhances the book’s impact. She refrains from inserting her opinions or judgments, allowing the officers’ voices to stand alone. This approach makes the book feel like an authentic window into a world that is often misunderstood or oversimplified by media portrayals.

Her editorial decisions ensure that the officers’ humanity shines through. Readers encounter a range of personalities, from hardened veterans to idealistic rookies, creating a nuanced depiction of law enforcement.

Strengths of the Book

• Authenticity: The firsthand accounts provide a raw, unfiltered look at police work.
• Diversity of Perspectives: By including voices from various ranks and backgrounds, Fletcher captures the complexity of the profession.
• Timelessness: Despite being over three decades old, the book's themes remain relevant, as many of the challenges and controversies in policing persist today.
• Engagement: The vivid storytelling keeps readers engrossed, making it both an informative and emotionally resonant read.

Limitations

While What Cops Know is insightful, it does have limitations:

• Focus on Chicago: The book’s focus on Chicago police officers may not fully capture regional variations in law enforcement practices.
• Lack of Broader Context: The oral history format, while compelling, offers little in the way of broader analysis or critique of systemic issues in policing.

Conclusion

What Cops Know is a compelling exploration of the human side of law enforcement. Through vivid, unflinching narratives, Connie Fletcher provides readers with an intimate understanding of what it means to be a police officer. The book is as much about human resilience and frailty as it is about the profession itself.

For anyone interested in criminal justice, sociology, or the psychology of policing, What Cops Know is an essential read. Its candid accounts offer valuable insights into the challenges and complexities of one of society’s most scrutinized professions. This is not just a book about what cops know—it’s a book about who they are.

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