Police Procedure & Investigation: A Guide for Writers (Howdunit)

This book is filled with interesting trivia about police work, but it doesn't really help me write a character. I don't know why the author thought it would be helpful to describe in detail the inner workings of fingerprint and DNA analysis machines, but never actually describes what those machines look like or how to operate them. Lofland clearly has a lot of experience in law enforcement, and did an absolute ton of research for this book, but I don't think he spoke to enough writers before setting out to write this "guide." Even after reading the book, I have no idea what a day in the life of a police detective is really like, though I could tell you all about the equipment they use and the laws they enforce.The book would have been a lot more helpful if some of that abstract information were more effectively paired with personal stories or hypothetical situations. It's important to know what type of equipment the police use, but it's more important we understand an officer's daily duties and relationship within a department. What does a typical detective's bullpen look like? What's a typical day in the "office" for a detective vs. a patrol officer? What's the typical relationship between the different ranks and the chief/sheriff? One of the challenges is that Lofland is trying to comprehensively cover ALL police departments, which is virtually impossible without writing a dictionary-sized book. More personal anecdotes and stories from real policemen and women would have been much more helpful.I found the most compelling and helpful areas where Lofland goes into detail about his experience on the force, but they're far too rare, and they sometimes feel like the author is trying too hard to sound like a cliche crime writer than provide helpful details for other writers, which comes off as slightly self-congratulatory and a little egocentric. I forgave those areas, though, because it shows that the author has a passion for crime writing, despite the execution.I don't want to trash the book, though. Lofland deserves credit for this extensively researched beast. He just needed to spend more time figuring out what information writers need when researching a character and their job.

I decided to write a crime novel this year but I wanted to be sure to have my facts straight. I came across this book and I am so glad I did. The author made sure to give great details of the inner workings of the police departments and more. The details made me feel intouch with what it means to be involved with an expert in the field. What touched me the most is how he shared personal experiences to help the future author reading the book, to see what he went through so they may write a crime novel of their own someday. I highly recommend this book for future crime novelist and seasoned writers who may want to add an authentic flare to a new novel. Well done Mr. Lofland.

This book will be on my writing desk for years to come. While not a complete replacement for first-hand, in-the-field research (laws, rules, and regs still vary from place to place), this is a must-have reference for mystery/crime writers. This is a very comprehensive but well-organized 360+ page work containing "standard" information that would apply virtually anywhere, compiled by an author who is a veteran police officer and detective, and written in easy-to-understand language.Want to know how a cop becomes a detective? ...how much of the average C.S.I. episode is based on reality? ...the fine points of fingerprinting and DNA testing? ...what a body looks like after an autopsy? ...what it's really like inside a prison? These questions don't even scratch the surface of what's inside this treasure trove of information.From arrest and search procedures to courts and the legal process, this book will help you write a book that crackles with the authenticity of accurate police procedure and investigation knowledge. Four appendices provide a glossary of terms, a listing and explanation of Police 10 Codes (now I know more than just "10-4"!), drug quantity tables, and a federal sentencing table.I can only imagine the hours I will save over the years by having this book on my reference shelf.

This is a great reference book for writers who wish to understand police procedures. It is more than that though.Lee explains how the hierarchy of law enforcement is structured between local police departments, sheriffs departments, the state police, the FBI, the ATF, the U.S. Marshals and more.He also gives examples of terminology we all have heard and thought we understood. Such as the difference between a crime scene and the scene of a crime. They are different.Or the difference between homicide, murder, and manslaughter. No they are not synonyms.Yes, this book would make a fabulous gift for writers in your life that even want to barely touch on crime as an aspect in their work to help avoid making cringe-worthy mistakes, but it would also make a great gift for anyone who is interested in going into law enforcement. It would be an excellent reference book for someone trying to understand all the new lingo and terminology involved in that profession.I have to think it would be better written than a lot of dry as sawdust textbooks on the subject.Lee has a great sense of humor and it comes though on the page.This is a great book even if you aren't interested in writing about crime or going into law enforcement, for it will help you to understand the occupational complexities of those who are sworn to protect and defend us.

I've always been fascinated by detectives and crime as they offer such great opportunities for dramatic fiction but complete lack of knowledge of police procedure put me off so this book was an answer to a prayer. The only thing is that it is an American book and all the information is about police in the United States. If you're looking for info on British police, don't buy this book! But if you want all the nitty gritty detail on American cops then this is the book for you!

This is a really comprehensive guide, excellent for writers who are writing fiction set in America which involves police activities. It combines well organised information with fascinating personal anecdotes. The writer was a cop for many years and it shows!

Useful reference material

This book is a must have for any serious mystery writer. A well written course on police procedures and crime scene investigations with a tinge of humor here and there that upgrades the reading from a traditional textbook. I'm glad to have Lee's twenty years of police expertise available on my desk. On my current project, I've already made a few corrections on my crime scene chapters. Wish I had this help on my first novel. From now on my protagonist Lieutenant Beaudry will follow correct police procedures (most of the time)Mike Foley (Writing as Michael Kent)Thank you Mr Lofland and thank you Amazon for the fast delivery.

Für jeden, der entweder selber anfangen will zu schreiben oder aber zumindest einen Einblick gewinnen will, auf wieviele Details man achten muß um es gut zu machen. Für mich ein sehr empfehlenswertes Buch. In englisch.