Inspiration, controversy and corruption

The police experience is as varied as that of all of humanity. Bringing readers stories of inspiration in recovery, controversy in justice and true-to-life tales of corruption, police officers not only show readers their world, but reflect on the world. Recently added to the ranks of police officer turned authors are: Tom Docherty, Joanna Purl, Michael Varnado and Lieutenant Joe “Bill” Bradley.

Houston Police Department Officer Tom Docherty was hit head-on by a drunk driver on a Houston interstate. No one expected him to live, but his family prayed, and he held fast to the hope of recovery and once again returning to the police force that he had given his life to. His book, “Down, but not out” describes his inspiring journey of recovery.

Police Officer Joanna Purl survived the training in the Police Academy and at the time her book was written (1997) worked the night shift in gang control. According to her publisher, “Joanna Purl has a talent for describing a scene in a manner that puts the reader IN HER SHOES. She writes in a light-hearted way about a very serious subject. Other times she is just purely funny. Like the description of the difficulty of going to the "ladies room" in full police officer uniform, with gunbelt, baton, flashlight, and all the rest. This book is for enjoyment, education, and general interest in the subject of law enforcement as a police officer. Any person, male or female, considering such a career will find this a fascinating portrayal of life behind the badge.”

Michael Varnado began his 30 year career as a law enforcement officer while still a student at Southeastern Louisiana University. He joined Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office; ultimately becoming a detective. He is the detective famous for solving the murder case on which the movie “Dead Man Walking” is based. His first book, “Victims of Dead Men Walking” is a response to the movie (and the book from which it is taken). Detective Varnado presents a very different picture of the killer and justice. His second book, “Soft Targets: A Women’s Guide to Survival,” uses actual case histories as a means to advice women on how avoid becoming the victim of a crime.

Lieutenant Joe “Bill” Bradley retired from the Houston Police Department after 30 years of service. His first novel, “Twelve Judges” “is a series of stories detailing the work of a police lieutenant and his rogue detectives. They use every means available to them to successfully apprehend criminals including illegal wiretaps and other questionable methods. Their goal is to make ironclad cases that will withstand the dubious scrutiny of shady defense attorneys. Their cases take them from Houston to Mexico and from the ship channel to the roof of the Astrodome. In the end their honor and their careers are called into jeopardy and they must decide whether to trust their own criminal defense attorney.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 276 police officers (representing 112 police departments) and their 685 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors and international police officers who have written books.