WHAT IT TAKESOwen R.B. Roberts
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WHAT IT TAKES
Things a Canadian Police Officer Wants You to Know About His Job
A police officer pulls back the proverbial curtain on his profession to reveal its inner workings. After more than a decade in the police force, the author shares on-the-job insights and details of his training on how to deal with drug addiction, mental illness, and violent encounters, and delves into why policing spans gratification to anguish. Ride alongside as he divulges behind-the-scene stories of everyday situations faced by police officers across Canada - from traffic-infraction stops to domestic abuse calls and dealing with hallucinating drug users and dealers - and get a candid peek inside “a day in the life” of a patrol officer.
Police are not perfect but are asked to do their job with perfection. Movements like "defund the police” are addressed from the perspective of first responders who face intense pressure, media scrutiny, and public backlash in the fallout of several high profile incidents. By showing the inner workings of police training, teamwork, the criminal justice system, as well as socio-economic realities, the author raises awareness of what it takes to be a police officer and why policing is integral to public safety, while also questioning the current stigma against law enforcement.
Police are not perfect but are asked to do their job with perfection. Movements like "defund the police” are addressed from the perspective of first responders who face intense pressure, media scrutiny, and public backlash in the fallout of several high profile incidents. By showing the inner workings of police training, teamwork, the criminal justice system, as well as socio-economic realities, the author raises awareness of what it takes to be a police officer and why policing is integral to public safety, while also questioning the current stigma against law enforcement.
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REVIEWS
What It Takes offers a compelling firsthand account of policing in Canada through the eyes of a seasoned officer.
Written with an authenticity that only someone with direct experience in law enforcement can provide,
this book offers readers a rare glimpse into the daily challenges, triumphs and complexities of police work.
From the start of an officer’s career, including hiring and training, to the challenges that police face with drugs and mental health,
the author paints a vivid picture of the diverse situations encountered each day.
Each chapter is filled with gripping anecdotes that bring to life the realities of law enforcement in Canadian communities.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its balanced portrayal of the profession. While the author does not shy away from highlighting the adrenaline-fueled excitement of police work, he also candidly addresses the inherent risks and ethical dilemmas officers face. Through introspective reflections,
readers gain insight into the personal side of policing, including the toll that the job can take on one’s mental and emotional well-being.
Moreover, What It Takes delves into the intricacies of policing within the Canadian context. The author provides valuable insights into
use of force training and how society expects officers to be perfect in every situation. By exploring issues such as use of force, media, drugs
and mental health, the book offers a nuanced understanding of law enforcement in Canada.
What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the human side of policing. Through the author’s personal anecdotes and interactions with
community members, readers witness the empathy, compassion and resilience that define the best officers. Moreover, the author’s
willingness to acknowledge moments of vulnerability and self-doubt adds depth to their portrayal of the profession.
In conclusion, What It Takes offers a captivating and insightful journey into the world of Canadian policing.
Whether you’re an experienced law enforcement professional, a student of criminal justice, or simply a curious reader, this book provides a valuable perspective on the complexities of maintaining law and order in a diverse and evolving society.
It is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the officers who wear the badge.
-Casey Ward, President, Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers
Having been a Canadian police officer myself for close to 15 years, and being on the front row of the social, economical and
mental health challenges modern policing has been facing recently, I am glad someone has put pen to paper to show the
world that en masse, we are just decent people trying our best to make our cities a little safer.
Owen Roberts uses his life experiences and knowledge to allow the reader to peek behind the curtain slightly
in an attempt to change their perspective about the men and women in blue serving their communities.
-Paul, Toronto Police Service
Reading What It Takes was like seeing my thoughts on paper. A balanced account from a police perspective, it provides insight for anyone
genuinely interested in knowing what officers experience while attempting to preserve the peace in our Canadian communities.
-Claire, Vancouver Police Department
What It Takes offers a compelling firsthand account of policing in Canada through the eyes of a seasoned officer.
Written with an authenticity that only someone with direct experience in law enforcement can provide,
this book offers readers a rare glimpse into the daily challenges, triumphs and complexities of police work.
From the start of an officer’s career, including hiring and training, to the challenges that police face with drugs and mental health,
the author paints a vivid picture of the diverse situations encountered each day.
Each chapter is filled with gripping anecdotes that bring to life the realities of law enforcement in Canadian communities.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its balanced portrayal of the profession. While the author does not shy away from highlighting the adrenaline-fueled excitement of police work, he also candidly addresses the inherent risks and ethical dilemmas officers face. Through introspective reflections,
readers gain insight into the personal side of policing, including the toll that the job can take on one’s mental and emotional well-being.
Moreover, What It Takes delves into the intricacies of policing within the Canadian context. The author provides valuable insights into
use of force training and how society expects officers to be perfect in every situation. By exploring issues such as use of force, media, drugs
and mental health, the book offers a nuanced understanding of law enforcement in Canada.
What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the human side of policing. Through the author’s personal anecdotes and interactions with
community members, readers witness the empathy, compassion and resilience that define the best officers. Moreover, the author’s
willingness to acknowledge moments of vulnerability and self-doubt adds depth to their portrayal of the profession.
In conclusion, What It Takes offers a captivating and insightful journey into the world of Canadian policing.
Whether you’re an experienced law enforcement professional, a student of criminal justice, or simply a curious reader, this book provides a valuable perspective on the complexities of maintaining law and order in a diverse and evolving society.
It is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the officers who wear the badge.
-Casey Ward, President, Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers
Having been a Canadian police officer myself for close to 15 years, and being on the front row of the social, economical and
mental health challenges modern policing has been facing recently, I am glad someone has put pen to paper to show the
world that en masse, we are just decent people trying our best to make our cities a little safer.
Owen Roberts uses his life experiences and knowledge to allow the reader to peek behind the curtain slightly
in an attempt to change their perspective about the men and women in blue serving their communities.
-Paul, Toronto Police Service
Reading What It Takes was like seeing my thoughts on paper. A balanced account from a police perspective, it provides insight for anyone
genuinely interested in knowing what officers experience while attempting to preserve the peace in our Canadian communities.
-Claire, Vancouver Police Department
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Owen R.B. Roberts
After more than a decade working as a police officer in a Canadian city that regularly rates high on the Violent Crime Severity Index, the author was compelled to share his experiences with the general public. He’s spent nearly eight years in a patrol capacity, responding to calls on everything from impaired drivers to domestic violence to mental illness. He’s also spent time as a mental health liaison, partnering with an addictions counsellor.
This is his first book, a deeply personal foray into writing that gives a counterpoint to much of the current criticism of police work. He hopes to redress the balance of public opinion—even just a little. He lives in Canada with his wife and their three elementary aged children.
This is his first book, a deeply personal foray into writing that gives a counterpoint to much of the current criticism of police work. He hopes to redress the balance of public opinion—even just a little. He lives in Canada with his wife and their three elementary aged children.
