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Must-read books for law enforcement leaders

Explore the books law enforcement leaders, Police1 contributors and experts recommend to advance your career, build leadership skills and inspire the next generation

books library

Pick up one of these highly-rated reads as a gift for an officer in your life.

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By Police1 Staff

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, looking to sharpen your leadership skills or aiming to expand your tactical expertise, reading is a powerful tool for professional growth in law enforcement.

We’ve gathered book recommendations from law enforcement leaders and Police1 contributors, along with excerpts from must-read titles for officers, aspiring officers and law enforcement leaders. These selections cover leadership, personal development and even children’s books to inspire the next generation of officers.

Pick up one of these highly-rated reads as a gift for an officer in your life, and let these titles motivate you to learn, grow and lead in the ever-evolving world of policing.

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Top book picks from law enforcement leaders

A leader who is open to ideas from peers and subordinates will always be a more effective leader than the person who believes they already know enough and can make decisions on their own
These selections offer unique perspectives that make them valuable for police officers and engaging for anyone interested in law enforcement
Our picks for public safety readers for inspiration, health, healing, leadership and escape
Dive into these captivating stories and real-life experiences shared by law enforcement officers
Dive into a curated collection of must-read public safety books, from thrilling accounts and leadership lessons from the front lines, to read-aloud children’s favorites
Host Jim Dudley and Police1 columnist Chris Littrell share some recommendations
Childrens books about the roles and responsibilities of police officers can be invaluable tools to help kiddos develop an understanding of the importance of policing
Law Enforcement Book Excerpts
Join a veteran police officer, who not only shares his own stories but weaves in the captivating stories of his father, a former K9 handler
Author and police veteran David Berez shares resiliency techniques officers can use to raise their baseline of mental and emotional strength
Read about retired Deputy Sheriff Teresa Fitzgerald’s successful transition from law enforcement to the private sector, as told by author and police veteran Colin Whittington
Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit, shares an insider look at how to prevent shootings and the role threat assessment teams play
Written for officers at all levels, this book discusses proper note-taking at the scene of a crime, different elements of police reports and compliance writing
Neuroscience research can help guide police training for better decision-making and performance under life-threatening stress
Access practical, no-frills advice about what to do to counter the day-to-day challenges and outright calamities that make up the first-line law enforcement leader’s work life
How to be successful from your first day at the police academy through graduation day
The most relevant and important human factors that every investigator, administrator and trainer should understand when conducting use-of-force investigations and reviews
Fighting back against poor police leadership
In this excerpt from “Leading the Small Police Department,” author Chief Gerald Garner breaks down how to battle the enemies of good communication
A journal for police leaders providing daily advice, tips and space for personal leadership reflections


Shop the police book recommendations

Police leadership/career development picks:

Police memoirs and autobiographies:

Children’s books:

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From hostage situations to mass casualty events, each book presents an opportunity to learn, question and grow
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Police1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.