Crossing the Line: Lessons From a Life on Duty

A RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK, "Beyond the Cordon Tape" offers a hopeful vision for how we can tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society today, based on real life stories from John Sutherland's twenty-five years of service with the Metropolitan Police.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2021
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

A captivating and heartfelt tribute to the dedicated police officers who tirelessly protect and serve the most vulnerable members of our society, "A Radio 4 Book of the Week" is a profound exploration of the complexities and challenges of policing. Authored by Christie Watson, a renowned author known for her insightful works, this book offers a profound and urgent message that resonates with readers of all ages.

At its core, "A Radio 4 Book of the Week" serves as a love letter to the police force, acknowledging the immense sacrifices and unwavering commitment of these individuals in the face of danger and adversity. Through a series of captivating real-life stories drawn from the author's extensive experience of twenty-five years with the Metropolitan Police, John Sutherland delves deep into the intricacies of policing.

What emerges is a nuanced and multifaceted perspective that challenges the conventional notions of crime-fighting and emphasizes the broader role of police officers in our communities. Sutherland reveals the profound impact that policing has on individuals and society as a whole, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of the profession.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is its ability to humanize the police officers who are often portrayed in the media as cold and distant figures. Through his storytelling, Sutherland paints a vivid portrait of the officers as compassionate and empathetic individuals who genuinely care about the well-being of those they serve. He showcases their unwavering dedication to protecting and serving, even in the most challenging and unpredictable situations.

Moreover, "A Radio 4 Book of the Week" sheds light on the complex dynamics that shape policing practices and the challenges that officers face on a daily basis. From dealing with domestic abuse and mental health crises to responding to natural disasters and terrorist attacks, the officers are faced with a wide range of complex and urgent situations that require them to make split-second decisions under immense pressure.

Sutherland's writing is both informative and engaging, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds. He weaves together personal anecdotes, expert analysis, and thought-provoking insights to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of policing. The book also includes a new Afterword on policing during the COVID-19 pandemic, which adds an additional layer of relevance and urgency to the discussions presented in the main text.

In conclusion, "A Radio 4 Book of the Week" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the role of police officers in our society. It offers a poignant and hopeful perspective on the profession, challenging our assumptions and highlighting the immense value that police officers bring to our communities. Through his compelling storytelling and insightful analysis, John Sutherland provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about policing and its impact on our lives.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 128 x 196 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474612371