- Paperback: 424 pages
- Publisher: Phoenix; illustrated edition edition (1 Jun 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0753820838
- ISBN-13: 978-0753820834
- Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 13 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 380,825 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
In this absorbing and controversial memoir, John Stevens records highlights of his meteoric career, from walking the beat as a constable on London's Tottenham Court Road during the 1960s to the summit of his profession as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. As a junior detective he achieved so many arrests he became known as 'Swifty Stevens'. As Deputy Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire he began the first of his three inquiries into collusion between the security forces and paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland. One of his most striking successes was in the car-crime capital of Europe - Newcastle - where he achieved the most spectacular reduction in crime ever known in Britain. In 2000, when he was appointed Commissioner, London's police force was in a poor way, understrength and weakened by low morale. Five years later, and despite political wranglings, his leadership had restored the force to its best-ever state.
About the Author
John Stevens (b.Oct 1942) was Commissioner, Metropolitan Police for five years until Jan 2005. A career policeman for 40 years, he headed high-profile inquiries into Northern Ireland collusion, as well as alleged malpractice at National Criminal Intelligence Service. He has investigated anti-terrorism matters on three continents. Knighted in 2000, he was made a life peer in 2005.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Decent enough,
By James Smith (North-West, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Not for the Faint-Hearted: My Life Fighting Crime (Paperback)
I agree with a previous reviewer that the book was, in the main, an easy and enjoyable read.
John Stevens' account of his early years in the force with lots of 'thief-taking' was not only interesting but also made him come across as a decent, old school, hard working cop. However as the book goes on, and he become more senior, his old school beliefs do seem to have left him with some views that not only do not stand up to any form of intelligent analysis but also would be the types of comment expect a closed minded grumpy old man on the bus!
4.0 out of 5 stars
Topical and from the top.,
This review is from: Not for the Faint-Hearted: My Life Fighting Crime (Paperback)
Interesting view of what makes a Senior career Policeman.Perhaps does not have an independant perspective on his career as too close to the issue. I'm thinking of the long hours and the relocations to move up the ladder.
A very interesting read overall especially as he becomes more senior and feels able to share opinions with us on current issues. Alludes nicely to cases we all know and with a ittle research these are v.worthwhile. I think of his oblique reference to the Daniel Morgan axe murder 24 years ago. The case against police collapsed this year. Obviously a man who knows a lot and was discrete. Same for West Midland Police force corruption, non IRA bombers etc. What a teaser! Oof course he can only say what would be acceptable and I would have liked to have 30 minutes over coffee! While finishing this book I met an ex Met Detective and was able to get more background info from him! I also was reading the MI5 Official History and observe different perspectives on the same cases and issues.
4.0 out of 5 stars
EXCELLENT READ,
By DWANNY (WALES, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Not for the Faint-Hearted: My Life Fighting Crime (Paperback)
EXCELLENT AND EXTREMELY INTERESTING THE DIFFERENT JOBS HE HAS DONE IN HIS CAREER - APPEARS TO REMEMBER THE 'BOBBIES ON THE BEAT' RIGHT TO THE END OF HIS CAREER - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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