It has been two years since I punched in code 99 (out of service) into the in-car computer to end my career as a police officer in Saskatoon. Writing books about policing has been the mental equivalent of emptying my locker. As I was writing my second book, More Indian Ernie: Insights from the Streets, the topics I was writing about kept popping up in the news: Prostitution, mental health, drugs and robberies, just for starters. My stories are part of what is not contained in the press releases from the police.
This book represents my views about the modernization of the police as opposed to their militarization. Common crimes like impaired driving and newer crimes like Internet child pornography are discussed, as are street checks by police and the added value they bring to investigations in spite of the controversy recently in Eastern Canada. The evolution of the drug trade and the cost of ignoring high crime problem areas of our communities are tied into leadership stories. A common reaction from people who have read this book or Indian Ernie: Perspectives from the Street is “I had no idea,” or “I never thought about policing like that before.” Some of the day-to-day challenges from a patrol officer’s perspective have surprised people.
Ernie Louttit, author of More Indian Ernie: Insights from the Streets
Leadership is a big part of this book, in addition to policing. Good leadership requires checking your ego at the door and not forgetting those who are actually doing the work. Racism rears its ugly head, as well, in some stories: It only gets the attention it deserves, not that it craves. I think there is something for everyone in this book. Although the stories are from Saskatoon, the policing and community concerns are applicable anywhere. I was a little more relaxed writing this time because I was no longer on the streets and could be more reflective. It was nice to be free of the violence, and potential violence, every day.
When we read, we learn; when we learn, we lead. I enjoyed writing the book and I hope you will enjoy reading it. My book is available at McNally Robinson Booksellers, Chapters, Coles, Indigo and online at www.purichpublishing.com.
