Breaking Rank





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.

March 28 – Bellingham, WA  Panel discussion on “Police Militarization,” Bellingham City Club

March 22 – Seattle  Keynote address on “Police Response to the Occupy Movement,” American Civil Liberties Union Annual Membership Meeting

February 21 – Los Angeles  Telephone interview with Warren Olney, “To the Point,” Public Radio International and KCRW, Los Angeles

February 17 – Everett, WA  In-studio interview with Ed Brenner, “Sound Living,” KSER Radio (KPFA-FM, Berkeley)

February 16 – Chicago  Telephone interview with WGN-TV

January 30 – NYC  Email interview with Natasha Lennard, Salon.com

January 27 – Michigan  Telephone interview with Norm Jones, News Talk 580

January 20 – South Jordan, Utah  Telephone interview with Mark Maxon Show, KTTA Radio

January 19 – Fayetteville, N.C.  Telephone interview on “The Wake Up Show,” WIDU Radio

January 17 – Vancouver, B.C.  Presentation on “Increased Militarization of American Policing,” British Columbia Civil Liberties Association  (Postponed till June 2012)

January 16 – Seattle – Telephone interview with Ian Finkenbinder, Occupy Seattle Media Team

January 14 – Chicago  Telephone interview with Chuck Mertz, KNUR-FM

January 10 – Columbus, MO  Telephone interview with “Sex, Drugs, and Civil Liberties,” KOPN Radio

January 9 – Chicago  Telephone interview with Jack Nicas, Wall Street Journal

January 6 – Seattle  Telephone interview with Bill Radke and Linda Thomas, KIRO FM  Radio

January 6 – Seattle  Telephone interview with Mark Christopher and Elisa Jaffe, KVI Radio

January 5 – Chicago  Telephone interview with Megan Crepeau, editorial page coordinator, Chicago Tribune