Blue Adrenalin: Life in the New Zealand Police

Longacre, 2010. Signed by the author 'To Trevor...'

What's life on the police beat like, really? Retired cop Bill O'Brien takes the readers into the daily work lives of members of the New Zealand Police Force, with gripping tales of being on duty in the various branches of the police. Blue Adrenalin goes behind the scenes: we hear directly from the recruits - what it's like to attend the NZ Police College when you're a young mum or a 22 year old guy. We're taken to the communication centre - 111 - and work through an emergency call from whoa to go, we go out with the dog handlers in pursuit of an offender, we go out with the divers, helicopter pilots, the I-cars. It's very much 'adrenalin' rush material. At the end of several chapters the author has a 'The decision is yours' section: a scenario involving the police is presented and the author asks the reader - what would you do in this situation - his premise being that often young cops have to make split-second decisions. There are no right or wrong answers but quick action is required. It's a real eye-opener about the force and the variety of positions and departments: everything from forensics to guarding the Prime Minister. It shows the human side of the police, mostly the author allows the police to speak for themselves. Aimed at a younger audience who may have an interest in a career in the force but also of huge interest to all New Zealanders, this highly illustrated book is a unique insight and also a tribute to the men and women who protect us.