The Power of A Good Story, the Authenticity of the Truth

I ran across this book in my local bookstore and bought it primarily for research. I was soon captivated by the author's ability to step aside from the subjects of his research and let them tell their own stories in their own ways. The book is broken down into 5 main stages any officer involved in a shooting will go through: before you become an officer, basic training, instances when you could have shot but didn't, the shooting incident itself, and the aftermath (including investigation and responses). In each case, the officers speak for themselves. The ring of authenticity is unmistakable. I commend Klinger for resisting the impulse to "clean up" the accounts to make them fit some preconceived assumptions about what an officer "should" be thinking, experiencing, or remembering. The book also gives information on how to access Kinger's complete final report (the academic exercise behind the stunning testimonies) on the Internet. This is a profound introduction for a general reader and a powerful affirmation of officer integrity for those with a special interest in the subject, especially for those who are or know officers themselves.

10-Ring

As a 21-year officer, I can assure you Mr. Klinger scores a bull's-eye with his book. He was able to capture the true feelings and atmosphere surrounding this sensitive issue. Unlike inaccurate depictions in the movies and reports in the media, these accounts come from real-life cops, in real-life-and-death situations, in their own words, from their true feelings.

If you want to get an accurate picture of the weight of this responsibility, turn off the remote, put down the paper, and read this book.

A must read.......

Into The Kill Zone was a wonderfully, powerfully written account of Police Officers experiences before, during and after the application of deadly force use. I spent 2 years as a Marine in Viet Nam. I spent my entire career as a firefighter and got to know and respect many police officers over my 29 years in public service. I wish I had the opportunity to read this years ago so I could have better understood what my Police Officer friends were and, most likely, still are experiencing in the wake of events like Dave writes about in his book. Trust me, this is a must read book. Thank you Dave Klinger.