Anthony V. Bouza

About the author: Anthony V. Bouza, a former chief of police in Minneapolis and commander of the Bronx police force, has written several books about policing.

Police officers belong to a close-knit fraternity that expects members to conform. New recruits learn that they must back up other police officers no matter what the circumstances; officers who attempt to point out corruption, lies, abuse of authority, or other acts of wrong-doing are ostracized, harassed, and condemned by their colleagues. Many police officers refuse to provide back-up for whistle-blowers, which leaves them facing dangerous situations alone. While most officers are honest, hardworking, and responsible, the taint of corruption touches them all, whether they are willing participants or not. All officers realize they must participate in the Code of Silence—by either claiming ignorance of or else outright supporting...