By Police1 Staff
The NYPD has long been a source of inspiration for compelling stories, with many current and former officers sharing their experiences through memoirs, gripping novels and firsthand accounts of life on the job. These books offer a unique glimpse into the challenges, triumphs and raw realities of policing in New York City, from high-stakes investigations to unforgettable moments on the beat. Whether you’re looking for true crime, behind-the-scenes insights, or fast-paced fiction, this list of 10 must-read books by NYPD officers delivers a fascinating perspective from those who have worn the badge.
This book provides an in-depth, anecdotal account of an NYPD officer’s journey from his upbringing with a police officer father to his rise as a detective, offering a vivid portrayal of street life, law enforcement challenges, and the camaraderie within the force.
Street Warrior chronicles the career of Detective Ralph Friedman, the most decorated detective in NYPD history, as he navigates the crime-ridden streets of the South Bronx’s 41st Precinct during the turbulent 1970s and ‘80s. Through firsthand accounts of high-stakes arrests, violent confrontations and life-or-death decisions, Friedman provides an unfiltered look at policing during one of New York City’s most dangerous eras.
Fort Apache: New York’s Most Violent Precinct remains a definitive account of urban violence and law enforcement struggles, offering a raw depiction of crime and chaos in the South Bronx. Through gripping real-life incidents—ranging from brutal murders and high-speed chases to police officers under siege—this book captures the relentless dangers faced by officers committed to protecting a collapsing neighborhood.
The Policewomen’s Bureau follows Marie Carrara, a young police matron in 1958 Bronx, as she fights to become one of the NYPD’s first female detectives. Based on true events, the novel explores her struggles with sexism, the dangers of undercover work, and her determination to prove herself while balancing her personal life.
The Job: True Tales from the Life of a New York City Cop is a collection of gripping, humorous and heartfelt stories from Steve Osborne’s 20-year career with the NYPD. From rookie mistakes to life-or-death encounters, Osborne shares the humanity, absurdity and danger of policing in 1980s and ’90s New York, offering an insider’s look at a bygone era of the city’s streets.
Twenty and Out takes readers on a thrilling ride through the streets of New York City, offering a firsthand account of an NYPD officer’s 20-year career. Blending intense encounters with armed criminals and high-speed pursuits with lighthearted pranks and unexpected moments, this collection of short stories provides an authentic behind-the-scenes look at life in law enforcement.
This compelling memoir offers a behind-the-scenes look at life as an NYPD officer from the 1960s to the 1980s, capturing the challenges of patrolling one of New York’s toughest precincts. Through vivid anecdotes, the author shares encounters with fellow officers, criminals, celebrity scandals and the unpredictable realities of police work in a gritty era of the city’s history.
No Back-Up Needed offers a firsthand account of the challenges faced by NYPD officers during New York City’s financial crisis in 1975, when budget cuts led to mass police layoffs. With the force stretched thin, Lt. Jimmy Kavanaugh of the 13th Precinct in Gramercy Park recounts the chaos, resilience, and dark humor that defined policing during this turbulent time. Blending tragedy, miracles, and the bizarre, Kavanaugh provides a candid and often sardonic look at life on the streets of a city in crisis.
Gunz and God tells the true story of Stevie Stryker, a former NYPD undercover officer known as “Stevie Gunz,” who used his sharp communication skills to take down criminals. After retiring due to illness, Stryker found a new calling as a minister, following in his father’s footsteps and embracing the faith he once resisted.
War Stories captures the camaraderie and shared experiences of NYPD officers unwinding after long shifts, swapping dramatic and often embellished tales of their time on the job. In precinct bars where only fellow officers gathered, these late-night storytelling sessions became a way to process the chaos of policing while strengthening bonds within the force.
NEXT: Looking for your next must-read police novel? In this episode of Policing Matters, retired Chicago PD lieutenant Dave Case shares how his 31-year career, including patrolling high-crime areas like Cabrini-Green, shaped his crime fiction writing. His novel, “Out of Cabrini,” delivers raw, authentic storytelling drawn from real policing experiences. From the challenges of turning true events into compelling fiction to the impact of police suicide, Case’s journey offers a rare insider’s perspective.
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