One reader of Writing Crime New York Style said, “Many books have been written attempting to explain law and police procedure for crime writers; few are written by real cops. This book, written by an 11-year veteran of the NYPD, looks at real police procedures in the Big Apple. It gives the street addresses, coverage areas and major landmarks for all the precincts in the five boroughs. It describes the various units and other personnel within a precinct, like the Integrity Control Officer, the Anti-Crime Unit, the Borough Task Force, the Emergency Services Unit, the Squad Commander, the Hate Crimes Task Force, and the Organized Crime Control Bureau, among many others. There is now no reason for a writer to put a precinct in the wrong part of the city, or to have a crime investigated by the wrong part of the precinct.

The author then explores what really happens at the scene of a homicide. Rigor mortis is part of practically every murder novel, but is usually done incorrectly. It does not turn a body permanently rigid; after about a day and a half, the body returns to totally flaccid. A reliable way for the medical examiner to determine the time of death is to check the contents of the stomach during the autopsy.  The first patrol officer on the scene will often make or break the case. He or she will establish the crime scene without contaminating it, and detain witnesses and suspects. Everything starts with a clear and accurate description, whether it's of a lost child or a murder suspect.

Other chapters look at police lineups, what the Miranda Warning is all about, courtroom testimony (including how to survive cross-examination), the various types of serial killers, and sex crimes and child abuse cases. There is also a handy glossary of actual police lingo and a list of police acronyms. This is a very complete book. For writers of crime novels, especially NYPD novels, this book belongs on your reference shelf. For everyone else, read this book and see for yourself just how well, or how badly, TV does the police business. Highly recommended.”

WRITING CRIME NEW YORK STYLE Joseph L. Giacalone  More Info

According to the book description of The Criminal Investigative Function: A Guide for New Investigators, “A candid, real-world look at investigations, from crime scene to courtroom, shared by an ACTUAL investigator. No ivory tower theory. Just the real deal! A seasoned investigator taps his years of street experience to teach you the: Core qualities that make for a great investigator; Important legalities that impact investigations; Crime scene protocols that must be followed; Best follow-up investigation strategies; Aspects of Interview and Interrogation; Keys to dealing with eyewitnesses; and, Steps in Solving Major Crimes.

In his spare time, he writes his own criminal investigation Blog, http://www.ColdCaseSquad.com.  Joe is a dynamic speaker and is available for training, insight, lectures, interviews and speaking engagements. He can be reached via E-Mail at Joe@ColdCaseSquad.com or 516-557-9591. You can follow Joe and the Cold Case Squad Blog on Twitter: @ColdCaseSquad.