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15 best-selling police officer memoirs and autobiographies on Amazon

Dive into these captivating stories and real-life experiences shared by law enforcement officers

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Are you searching for the best police books that delve into the real-life experiences of law enforcement officers?

Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, an aspiring police officer or simply curious about the challenges and triumphs faced by those in blue, our curated collection of books about police officers is sure to captivate you. Featuring highly rated memoirs and autobiographies from dedicated police officers, these top-rated titles on Amazon offer authentic and compelling narratives that reveal the complexities of police work.

From gripping tales of on-the-ground action to heartfelt stories of personal growth and resilience, these best police books provide invaluable perspectives and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to serve and protect our communities. Did we miss one of your favorites? Email us at editor@police1.com.

The critically acclaimed memoirs of one female police officer’s 16-year odyssey, beginning with day one at the police academy and spanning assignments on Chicago’s West Side, one of the most dangerous areas in the city.
“A rare look into the day-to-day life of a Canada Border Services Officer. Gritty, unfiltered and real. A must-read for anyone with an interest in the border,” one reader said of Patterson’s book.
Drawn from 24 years of experience working for a Southern California police department, this book is a window into the true-life drama of life in the ranks of one of the country’s most dangerous jobs.
From rural Oregon to the frozen streets of Anchorage, ride along with veteran officer Cordell, who not only shares his own stories but weaves in the captivating stories of his father, a former K9 handler.
Journey with Detective Wade as she investigates shocking sex crimes and homicides in the Tacoma, Washington area, where she has been crucial in bringing new DNA evidence into each cold case.

| RELATED: Meet Lindsey Wade, a cold case detective who helped solve the 32-year-old mystery of two young girls brutally murdered in Tacoma


Keep your bookshelf up to date with the latest in law enforcement know-how, or laugh and cry along with stories from fellow officers

Ride along with Calams as he responds to calls for help. From taking down a suspect with a knife at his girlfriend’s throat, investigating his first homicide, locating a lost elderly man after an earthquake and more.
In his second book, Calams shares more stories in a thrilling three-part series, chronicling his experiences as an urban city police officer, focusing on fellow officers who worked relentlessly with selfless service.

| POLICING MATTERS PODCAST: Officer-turned-writer talks police life

Merith shares both his gut-wrenching and heart-warming experiences and advocates for immediate police reform in a balanced and level-headed manner.
Osborne takes readers into his world, the gritty and not-so-glamorous life of real street cops. And along the way he finds humor and soul-searching humanity in the most unlikely places. For anyone interested in knowing what a cop’s life is all about, this is a must-read
When the San Francisco Police Department was court-ordered to hire women, Lynch found herself compelled to prove to the world that women could cut it as cops, a move her mother saw as betrayal.

These selections offer unique perspectives that make them valuable for police officers and engaging for anyone interested in law enforcement

Join Chief Panebianco on an exhilarating adventure as he recounts the journey of an average kid who found his way to an extraordinary career in law enforcement. From the heartfelt moments of his childhood, shaped by inspiring figures, to his first role as a part-time dispatcher, this story is filled with twists and turns.
A former San Francisco police officer provides an all-too-human look at the actual experiences of a real-life cop, offering compelling new meaning to the phrase “officer needs assistance.”
From chasing down dangerous felons on the gang unit to meticulously executing undercover operations in narcotics, Milone has seen crimes and criminals from a perspective most cops never do.
Gill, who was assigned to the Castro Valley Unified School District and the Dublin Unified School District as an SRO, offers an awareness of the problems that today’s youth face, including cyberbullying, alcohol and drug use, internet security and gangs.
From his rookie days in suburban Chicago to his tenure as Chief of Police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Geier’s account is a hard-hitting exploration of the realities of law enforcement, exposing its triumphs, challenges and the personal toll it exacts.

Other books by cops

Cop: A True Story - Retired LAPD sergeant Michael Middleton writes about his two decades with the LAPD

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Sarah Calams, who previously served as associate editor of FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com, is the senior editor of Police1.com and Corrections1.com. In addition to her regular editing duties, Sarah delves deep into the people and issues that make up the public safety industry to bring insights and lessons learned to first responders everywhere.

Sarah graduated with a bachelor’s degree in news/editorial journalism at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Have a story idea you’d like to discuss? Send Sarah an email or reach out on LinkedIn.