Breaking Rank

Breaking Rank is a memoir by Norm Stamper, former Chief of Police in Seattle, detailing his 34-year career in law enforcement. The book examines policing from an insider's perspective, covering Stamper's rise through the ranks from beat cop to police chief. The narrative focuses on major issues in American law enforcement including police brutality, racial profiling, corruption, and the war on drugs. Stamper presents cases and experiences from his time serving in San Diego and Seattle, documenting both successes and failures of the police system. His account includes analysis of high-profile events like the 1999 WTO protests in Seattle, along with day-to-day challenges faced by officers on the street. The book combines personal stories with policy discussions and proposals for police reform. The work stands as both a critique of traditional policing methods and a vision for transforming law enforcement in America. Through his candid observations, Stamper explores themes of institutional power, accountability, and the complex relationship between police and the communities they serve.

Readers appreciate Stamper's insider perspective as Seattle's former police chief and his candid discussion of police culture, misconduct, and needed reforms. Many note his clear writing style and balance of personal anecdotes with policy analysis. Several reviewers highlight Stamper's courage in addressing controversial topics like drug decriminalization and police militarization. A frequent comment is that the book remains relevant years after publication. Critics say Stamper spends too much time defending his own career decisions and that some sections feel like personal score-settling. Some police readers dispute his characterizations of police culture. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (464 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) Sample review quotes: "Honest look at policing from someone who's been there" - Goodreads reviewer "Important perspective but gets bogged down in personal grievances" - Amazon reviewer "Should be required reading for police academy students" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🚔 Author Norm Stamper served as Seattle's Chief of Police during the controversial 1999 WTO protests, which later influenced his views on police militarization and reform. 👮 Stamper started his law enforcement career in San Diego in 1966 as a beat cop and worked his way up through the ranks over 34 years. 📚 The book reveals how common racial profiling was (and is) in police departments, with Stamper admitting to his own past participation in discriminatory practices. 🎓 After retiring from law enforcement, Stamper earned a Ph.D. in leadership and human behavior from United States International University. 🗣️ The publication of "Breaking Rank" led to Stamper becoming a prominent voice in police reform, speaking out against the War on Drugs and advocating for the legalization of all drugs.