Book

Blue on Blue

📖 Overview

Blue on Blue chronicles Charles Campisi's 40-year career in the New York Police Department, focusing on his time leading the Internal Affairs Bureau from 1996-2014. During his tenure, he oversaw investigations into police misconduct and corruption cases that drew national attention. The book provides an insider's perspective on how the NYPD polices its own ranks and handles criminal behavior within the department. Campisi details the investigative methods and organizational changes that transformed Internal Affairs from a marginalized unit into a central force for departmental accountability. Through case studies and personal experiences, Campisi examines the challenges of maintaining integrity in America's largest police force while balancing officer rights with public safety. The narrative covers major cases from the 1990s and 2000s, revealing the complexity of investigating fellow officers. This memoir raises essential questions about police reform, organizational culture, and the tension between protecting good officers while removing those who abuse their authority. The text serves as both a historical record and a framework for understanding contemporary debates about law enforcement accountability.

👀 Reviews

Readers describe this as an inside look at NYPD internal affairs investigations from 1996-2014. Most appreciate Campisi's detailed accounts of real cases and his explanations of how the Internal Affairs Bureau operates. Liked: - Clear explanations of complex investigations - Behind-the-scenes perspective on high-profile police corruption cases - Balance between technical details and storytelling - Insights into police department culture Disliked: - Self-congratulatory tone in parts - Lack of criticism of broader NYPD issues - Some sections read like administrative reports - Not enough depth on certain major cases One reader noted: "Honest account but glosses over systemic problems." Another said: "Valuable perspective but focuses too much on justifying IAB actions." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (216 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (168 reviews) Library Thing: 3.8/5 (12 ratings)

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The Crime Numbers Game by John A. Eterno, Eli B. Silverman Two former NYPD officers expose the manipulation of crime statistics and internal pressures within the department.

Breaking Blue by Timothy Egan The investigation of a 1935 police murder uncovers a system of corruption in the Spokane Police Department.

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🤔 Interesting facts

🔹 Charles Campisi served as Chief of the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau for 17 years (1996-2013), the longest tenure in NYPD history, overseeing investigations of more than 150,000 police officers. 🔹 The book reveals how Campisi's team developed innovative tactics to catch corrupt officers, including creating fake crime scenes to identify those who would steal evidence or money. 🔹 During Campisi's tenure, the NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau grew from 150 to over 1,000 investigators and became a model for police departments worldwide. 🔹 The term "Blue on Blue" refers to misconduct or crimes committed by police officers against their own colleagues or department, derived from the traditional blue color of police uniforms. 🔹 The book details several high-profile cases, including the Amadou Diallo shooting and the infamous "Dirty Thirty" scandal, where dozens of officers in Harlem's 30th Precinct were arrested for corruption.