Charles Campisi

Charles Campisi is a former New York Police Department official who served as Chief of Internal Affairs from 2006 to 2014. He spent over three decades with the NYPD, rising through the ranks to oversee the department's efforts to root out corruption and misconduct within its own ranks. Campisi led Internal Affairs during a period of significant change for the NYPD, including the implementation of CompStat and various reform initiatives. His tenure coincided with high-profile cases and ongoing efforts to rebuild public trust in the department. After retiring from the NYPD, Campisi wrote "Blue on Blue," a memoir detailing his experiences investigating police corruption. The book provides an insider's perspective on the challenges of policing the police and the internal dynamics of one of America's largest law enforcement agencies. His writing draws from decades of firsthand experience with cases involving officer misconduct, corruption schemes, and the institutional pressures within police departments. Campisi offers insights into the investigative processes and political complexities surrounding internal affairs work.

Readers of "Blue on Blue" appreciate Campisi's insider perspective on NYPD Internal Affairs operations. Many find value in his detailed accounts of specific corruption cases and the investigative techniques used to uncover misconduct. Readers note the book provides a rare glimpse into the internal workings of police accountability mechanisms. Some readers praise Campisi's straightforward writing style and his willingness to discuss controversial cases without sugarcoating the challenges. Others appreciate the historical context he provides about the NYPD's evolution during his career. Critical readers point to what they see as a defensive tone regarding the department and Internal Affairs' effectiveness. Some find the book lacks sufficient self-reflection about systemic issues within police culture. A few readers express frustration with what they perceive as missed opportunities to address broader questions about police accountability and reform. Several reviewers note the book's value for those interested in police procedure and organizational dynamics, while others wish for more analysis of the underlying causes of police corruption.