Lou Cannon

This is probably one of the most important books on police culture ever written. Lou Cannon was extremely through, accurate and fair in his presentation of the culture that hosted perhaps the most watched video taped event in American policing: the Rodney King Incident.*

Mr. Cannon guides the reader through a morass of complicated interlinked beliefs and values that made up the LAPD culture at that time. The issue is not whether one agrees with or disagrees with the way the culture of LAPD was, the important point is the in depth explanation of why it was the way it was.

For those who want to better understand police culture this is a must read. It is too bad that the book was not a better seller. Perhaps it wass timing, many had simply grown weary of Mr. King.

* I was interviewed extensively for this book and that is why I know Mr. Cannon was through, accurate and fair.… (more)