Monday 17 March 2008

Book ~ "Duty: The Life of a Cop" - Julian Fantino (2007)

From Chapters.ca ~ Julian Fantino is the highest profile police officer Canada has ever produced. In a remarkable career spanning almost 40 years, he has led four police forces and continues to leave a huge imprint on law enforcement, not only in this country but right around the world. This candid and hard-hitting memoir of his life from his humble beginnings in Italy to his move to Canada and his eventual rise through the police ranks, from a street cop on the beat to top cop in the biggest city in the country, recounts his experiences as a rookie fresh out of police college and his time in the drug squad, homicide, and other areas of policing. He tells about the hard realities of organized crime, especially the fight against the Mafia and outlaw motorcycle gangs, and offers insights from one who is in the trenches into the sexual exploitation of children, police corruption, terrorism, and the many failings of the justice system. He touches on issues of concern to all Canadians and delves into the pressures and politics of being a big-city chief at the local, national, and international level including battles with special-interest groups and the media. But as Fantino describes in this refreshingly candid and hard-hitting as-told-to memoir of his life, one thing never changed: his steadfast commitment to the principles of integrity, honesty, and accountability. He recounts with passion, humour, and honesty the ups and downs the joys and sorrows of a life devoted to public service.

I enjoyed the writing style. It was interesting to read the stories from his perspective as an insider. Obviously I know who he is but I didn't realize how involved and well-respected he is internationally.

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