Breaking Rank

A Top Cop's Exposé of the
Dark Side of American Policing
Norm Stamper

Norm Stamper, former chief of the Seattle Police force, has written a story like no other. Part memoir, part polemic, Stamper exposes the unvarnished truth — both disturbing and inspiring — about policing in America today.

Opening with a powerful letter to former Tacoma police chief David Brame, who shot his estranged wife before turning the gun on himself, Stamper introduces us to the violent, secret world of domestic abuse that cops must not only navigate, but which some also perpetrate. Stamper goes on to expose a troubling culture of racism, sexism, and homophobia that is still pervasive within the 21st century force, exploring how such prejudices can be addressed. He reveals the dangers and temptations that cops on the street face, describing in gripping detail their split second life-and-death decisions.

2010 Events

April 23-24 – University of Washington, Seattle Panel presentations to “War & Global Health Conference”

March 12 – Orcas Island Reading, Dana Hufford Book Club

March 5 – San Diego Interview with Frank Green, Counterpunch

February 23 – California Interview with Paul Weinberg, Digital Communities

February 22 – Montreal Interview with Chad Nance, Political Editor, Skunk Magazine

February 19 – Washington, D.C. Presentation to, participation in “Justice in America” Conference

February 1 – Doe Bay, Orcas Island Reading, Artsmith Salon

January 27 – Kansas City, MO. Interview with “Vibes With Val,” 90.1 FM Kansas City, MO

January 15 – Seattle Interview with Cydney Gillis, Real Change

January 14 – Seattle Town Hall, Elliott Bay Books, Introduction of Gabor Maté

January 14 – Seattle Interview with Penny LeGate, CTV, The Seattle Channel

January 13 – Seattle Interview with Bob Rivers, CBS Radio

January 13 – Seattle Interview with Bob Restione, KIRO Radio

January 10 – Friday Harbor, WA Presentation to Soroptimist of Friday Harbor, San Juan County Library, and Amnesty International, “Human Trafficking”

January 6 – Sammamish, WA Interview with Kellie Standish, Eastside Catholic High School