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Police work is more than just a job — it’s a reality that shapes those who serve. And when crime fiction is penned by someone who’s lived the job, walked the beat and investigated cases, it carries a different weight.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Dave Case, a retired Chicago Police Department lieutenant who now serves as a police commander in Bridgeview, Illinois. Dave has taken his decades of real-world experience and turned it into compelling crime fiction, with his novel “Out of Cabrini” earning critical acclaim. From his time working in some of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods to his transition into writing, Dave shares an inside look at the realities of policing and how storytelling can capture the complexities of the job. Dave’s journey from the frontlines of law enforcement to the pages of crime novels offers a unique and insightful perspective into both the realities of policing and the power of storytelling.
Tune in to discover:
- How Dave Case’s 31-year career in the Chicago PD inspired his writing.
- The challenges and rewards of translating real-life police work into fiction.
- What it was like patrolling notorious crime hotspots like Cabrini-Green.
- The impact of police suicide and how agencies can better support their officers.
- How today’s policing environment compares to the past and what changes he has seen.
About our guest
Dave Case served 31 years with the Chicago Police Department, working in areas like Englewood and Cabrini-Green, and later serving on the SWAT team. Since retiring in 2017, he has continued his law enforcement career as a commander in Bridgeview, Illinois. Dave is the author of “Out of Cabrini” and “Stand for the Dead,” blending his firsthand policing experience with gripping storytelling.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters Podcast is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.
Key takeaways from this episode
- Lived experience shapes storytelling: Crime fiction written by real cops brings authenticity and credibility to the genre.
- Policing has changed dramatically over the decades: From aggressive enforcement strategies of the 80s and 90s to today’s evolving policies and public scrutiny.
- The impact of officer wellness: Suicide and burnout remain major concerns in law enforcement, highlighting the need for stronger support systems.
- The challenge of realism in fiction: Balancing accuracy with compelling storytelling is crucial when writing crime fiction.
- Transitioning to a new career in retirement: Writing can serve as both a creative outlet and a form of processing the intense experiences of police work.
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