Florida Cop Autobiographies

Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added three police officers who have written books about their careers in Florida law enforcement.

Nick Navarro served as the sheriff of Broward County, Florida from 1984 through 1992. Navarro oversaw a period during which Broward County Sheriffs Office grew both in size and in prominence as a local institution. While Navarro was sheriff, the BSO's staff doubled to 3,000 and its budget eclipsed $200 million. As sheriff, Navarro courted public attention and often attracted controversy. The television show COPS was first filmed in his jurisdiction, with his approval and support. His autobiography is called Cuban Cop.

Dennis Wise is a 35 year veteran of law enforcement and the former Public Information Officer for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (Florida). As a police officer, he worked a variety of departments in Florida, including Lauderdale Lakes and Pembroke Parks. According to Dennis Wise, his book Honor Above All Else: Removing the Veil of Secrecy, is an “account of life in the crosshairs of the street thugs and drunk drivers.” He also remarks that, “Everyone who has ever been a cop soon learns that many times his worst enemy actually wears a badge, and so the joust begins. Not only does he have to watch his back from the public, he has his own kind to fear.”

Gary Jones was a Fort Lauderdale Police Department (Florida) police officer for over 26 years. In the mid-1970’s, as a member of his department’s new Tactical Impact Unit, he and his partner were twice named Police Officers of the Year. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a Captain, and he also earned a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice. Captain Jones retired from Fort Lauderdale Police Department in 1993.

Gary Jones’ book is Badge 149 - “Shots Fire!” According to the book description, “The 1970’s was the deadliest decade in modern law enforcement history and more police officers died than during any other decade of the 20th Century. In Fort Lauderdale, the “Venice of America,” violent crime was almost out of control and to stem this vicious tide the Fort Lauderdale Police Department created the Tactical Impact Unit. Written with all the drama and excitement of a novel, Badge 149 – “Shots Fired!” tells the true story of this small group of men and of the daring exploits that made them so well-known and respected.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 389 police officers (representing 163 police departments) and their 839 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.