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James S. Prine, a veteran of the New Orleans Police
Department has written Real Police: Stories from the Crescent City a compilation of stories about
police work from a police officer’s point of view. The term “Crescent City” is one of
the nicknames given to New Orleans and refers to the course of the Mississippi River around the city. James
Prine’s second work is a collection of short stories brought together under the title Tales from the Id.
According to his biography, “James Prine is based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Prine served with two different
branches of the U.S. armed forces and is a former member of the New Orleans Police Department. His interests include flying,
cave diving, sport parachuting, radio, motorcycles, reading, writing, and photography.”
According to the book description of Real
Police: Stories from the Crescent City, “This racy jambalaya of war stories, anecdotes, observations and
comments was gleaned from street cops all over New Orleans ... America's most exotic and romantic city. Offbeat stories
and comments from Patrolmen, Narcs, Detectives, Deputy Sheriffs and State Troopers are mixed with little known facts, forming
a spicy Creole gumbo. As one NOPD old-timer remarked, "Some of these stories will make you laugh out loud. Others will
bring tears to your eyes." Written by veteran cop James Prine, The Real Police is not for the squeamish, and it cheerfully
thumbs its nose at 'political correctness.' These true stories are the part of police work cops usually keep to themselves.
If you're a street cop, or if you've ever wanted to be one ... this book is for you.”
According to a review from the New Orleans Gambit,
“I wouldn't suggest it to the squeamish, the politically correct or anyone who prefers not to know too much about
their neighbors or our protectors. It is suggested reading, however, for those with morbid curiosities,
those who empathize with our police force and anyone planning a career in law enforcement.”
One reader of Real Police: Stories from
the Crescent City said, “This book was so true-to-life, it was painful. I found myself either laughing
or crying. The insight into the life of a "Cop" as revealed in this book was human, explicit, and exposing. I laud
the courage of one who could and would write this material. (Special note: The only reason I did not give this book a 5 Star
rating is that it just is NOT for every reader, only the brave.) As a woman, I appreciated the format of the book as it is
not really chaptered (sic) or sequenced but individual and brief stories shared with the author. This allowed me to take the
material in and digest it's rawness in small doses. Also, the scattering of quotes and facts used to separate the stories
was a delightful and unexpected addition. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants the "real stuff" about
"real cops." Ironically, however, it offers much insight into the pure and naked reality of humanity.”
One reader of Tales from the Id
said, “These stories are so excitingly different from any others I've read! Some of them are very nostalgic, some
hilarious, some deadly serious, but all are intriguing and thought-provoking. It is hard to pick a favorite since each one
is a gem. A couple of them include a mysterious recurring character I'd like to read more about. I hope Prine shares more
of the products of his very unique imagination in future books -- I'll buy those too!”
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