Moon Is Always Full

This book was published in 1989 and is long out of print. Except for some of the technological and policy changes in law enforcement (such as to protect the Rodney Kings of this world) it is still timely. People don't really change. It is one of my favorite books, and THE favorite police-related book in my library. Author David Hunter was a self-described poet/author that happened to be a cop (rather than vice versa which is usually the case). Hunter hired on with the the Knox County Tennessee sheriff's department rather late in life. He had a police officer's heart, but also the eye and voice of a good writer. He gave song to the relatively invisible and silent group of men and women (overwhelmingly men) who roam the streets all night and, simply put, stand between the bad people and the good people. I have to disagree with the reviewer that described this book as like watching COPS on TV. In COPS, the officer is never really alone . . . he is accompanied by the two-man camera crew and usually a gang of other officeres that want to be on TV. COPS also doesn't really tell you what is going on inside the officer's mind and gut. Fear and/or disgust, or real compassion, doesn't come across accurately on mass market TV. The book is a non-fictional account of Hunter's observations, thoughts, and experiences. Much is very funny. Much is heartbreaking. There are moments of terror. All is typical of police patrol work. He's not Ernest Hemingway, but he's pretty good and probably a lot more genuine. I have spent over 90% of my 16 year police career on night patrol. I buy used paperback copies of this book in quantities and give them to younger nightshift guys that I feel have earned the ability to appreciate these stories. Most highly recommended.

I loved this book better than all the cop story books I've ever read because Officer Hunter keeps it simple and direct. His old fashioned values, positive attitude towards people, and terrific sense of humor make this book a fantastic and easy read. Hunter has a way of grabbing your heart and making you think about life in a new way.

if you like storys that are true to life w/ a little bit of humor and alot of humanity david hunter is one of the best authors around. if you like this one get trailer trash from tn. or there was blood on the snow i hope to see more of his work

I read this book years ago, before I became a police officer. I have worked the streets for some time now and recently reread the book. Reading The Moon Is Always Full is truly like looking into a mirror of my life. David Hunter puts into words the things I see and do every day. He portrays the joy and sadness this strange job brings with clarity that only a fellow Officer would know. My thanks to Mr. Hunter for giving me a chance to look in the mirror.

I stumbled across this book somehow. It is by far the best book I have read in a long time. I'm not much of reader but Mr. Hunter has a special way of telling stories. Reading this book was alot like watching the T.V. show COPS. You feel like your really there. Read it for yourself and you'll understand the things our badged hero's take care of. Cant wait to read more of his books!