Bad Cop: New York's Least Likely Police Officer Tells All

Paul Bacon's book gives a real insight into a classic smart person's what-if. Here, it is "What if a sensitive, intellectual but also athletic person (a former divemaster) optioned for a rough and tumble blue collar profession?" Bacon was in New York the day 9/11 happened. That day's events combined with some vocational dislocation motivated him to look for a career where he could make a difference. Bacon gives a great view of the training involved and a sense of the "street cop" type. Bacon gives an eye opening look at the frustration involved in being a beat cop in some of New York's roughest precincts. I acquired a lot more respect for cops and what they have to put up with on a daily basis. Seemingly, the physical demands of the job are not what weigh on Bacon the most. I leave it for others to spell out why the job is so hard. Writing is concise and hilarious throughout. Bacon does not spare the laughs in writing about New York's Police Department, the citizens, and most importantly himself!

Contrary to some of the previous reviews, this book was not meant to be an expose of the NYPD. It is the story of ONE MAN'S experience, and he freely admits that he was not a good fit for the NYPD--the premise for the whole book. This is HIS experience---no one else's. Written with lots of humor, but infused with the realities of the job, his honesty is refreshing. It is written in an easy, conversational style and I laughed a lot, but also was moved by his descriptions of some of the realities of everyday life in the big city. I highly recommend this book!

I loved this book. I laughed so hard at times I had to remove my steamed up glasses to wipe the tears away. Paul Bacon's wonderful wit and story telling ability kept me enthralled from beginning to end. If you enjoy stories and books by David Sedaris you will Love this book.

I read Bad Cop over the weekend... and I kid you not - I laughed out loud through the first half and couldn't put it down until I finished. I loved his writing style... very conversational - like he was sitting next to me with a glass of wine telling the most hilarious stories. He is so funny! As a fan of cop shows, this book was another point of view I hadn't read before. What an enjoyable way to spend a weekend. Suggestion for Paul Bacon: now go write a book about your diving job.

Bacon is hilarious. He should write more books. Sometimes a person's life is the best story of all.