Preview of The New Centurions Summary:

Wambaugh's major theme has to do with the difficulties involved in being a police officer in what he has called "The Big Sewer," the modern city.

Society recognizes the physical dangers policemen face, but does not recognize the emotional dangers which are far greater. The urban police officer is under constant emotional strain, knowing he can be killed at any moment, yet, paradoxically, he is often bored as he patrols the same streets...