A review by amberrush
Crossing the Line: Lessons from a Life on Duty by John Sutherland

5.0

Acting, I believe, as a more modern version of the [b:Wasting Police Time|826566|Wasting Police Time|David Copperfield|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348345177l/826566._SY75_.jpg|812294] series by David Copperfield, it explores the hardship and beauty of policing in 21st century UK in particular in the Met police fall. Harrowing statistics of crime within the chapters including domestic violence, child sexual exploitation and trafficking as well drug and drink crimes make for disturbing reading while also remembering the immense bravery that comes with being a police officer. The last chapter focuses on policing in the immediate future and the sacrifice paid by so many, including TVP officer Andrew Harper, understanding that the decline in police funding by the government and a rapid increase in crime is having dire consequences on the officers with thousands leaving the force and other having mental health problems that ruin their own personal life. A very impacting read making my respect for the force even greater than it already was. Often mentioning how the initial point of the police force set out by Sir Robert Peel has been changed to accommodate the politics of policing as well as the cuts to other services that have been placed onto the force eg mental health services. A read I think that should almost be essential to anyone who does not appreciate the police or understand the immense work they do. Each statistic mentioned is harrowing and should be understood and read to be acted upon.5/5