Joseph Wambaugh
Joseph Wambaugh
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Joseph Aloysius Wambaugh Jr., more commonly known as Joe Wambaugh, is an American crime novelist and former police officer.
Birth and Death Dates
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Joe Wambaugh was born on January 12, 1937, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is still alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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American, Crime Novelist, Former Police Officer
Early Life and Background
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Wambaugh grew up in California with his family, developing a fascination for crime stories at an early age. His love for true crime tales was largely influenced by the sensationalized coverage of infamous cases in the media during that time period.
Major Accomplishments
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Served as a police officer from 1957 to 1970.
Joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a homicide detective.
Published his first novel, The Newcentury Murder, in 1970.
Notable Works or Actions
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Wambaugh's writing career spans over five decades, with numerous bestselling novels that often combine elements of crime fiction, mystery, and psychological insight. Some of his most notable works include:
The Onion Field (1973): A novel based on a real-life event where two California police officers were ambushed and one was killed.
* Hollywood Station (2008): The 11th installment in the Joanna Lander series, which follows a rookie cop as she navigates her first year on the LAPD.
Impact and Legacy
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Wambaugh's impact on crime fiction is undeniable. His meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and ability to delve into the human psyche behind even the most heinous crimes have set a high standard for authors in the genre. Through his writing, Wambaugh has also contributed significantly to raising public awareness about law enforcement issues and the complexities of justice.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Wambaugh's unique blend of real-life experience as a police officer combined with his exceptional storytelling abilities have made him an iconic figure in crime fiction. His ability to craft compelling characters, plotlines, and settings has captivated readers worldwide, cementing his status as one of the most respected and celebrated authors in the genre.
As a testament to his enduring impact, Wambaugh's novels continue to inspire filmmakers and TV producers, with many adaptations being made over the years. His legacy extends beyond his books, too; he has inspired countless aspiring writers to pursue careers in crime fiction, leaving behind a lasting influence on popular culture.
By delving into the life and career of Joseph Wambaugh, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities that shape our understanding of human nature and the justice system. His remarkable journey from police officer to bestselling author is a testament to his unwavering dedication to storytelling and his ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
Quotes by Joseph Wambaugh
When Vince was through talking that day, one of the grand jurors said, “Explain to me, to all of us, why in the world didn’t you at some time go to Mrs. Reinert and warn her?” And by now Vince knew he’d spend the rest of his life being asked that question. And by now he knew that even when the words were not being uttered, the eyes were asking it.
The Onion Field made a real writer. And then I knew it was over, I couldn’t be a cop anymore.
But Team Policing and the Basic Car Plan had created lots and lots of new jobs for officers of staff rank. Therefore lieutenants made captain, captains made commander and commanders made deputy chief, and everyone had all the time they needed to think up new things for the working cops to do aside from catching crooks, which most of the new captains, commanders and deputy chiefs knew nothing about.
You listen to me, Treadwell. You’re an office pogue. You never been anything but an office pogue. You don’t have the slightest idea what goes on in a working police division. But you keep your mouth shut and do what you’re told and I’ll see to it that you’re a captain someday and you can have your own station to play with. You don’t and I’ll have you in uniform on the nightwatch in Watts. Understand me, Treadwell?
Mike Cabral’s task force came to believe that John Orr was responsible for the vast majority of all the arsons they were studying, and by way of unverifiable proof, they pointed to the astounding statistic that showed a 90 percent drop in brush-fire activity since his arrest. In the county foothill area, brush fires had averaged sixty-seven a year clear back to 1981. After his arrest the average had dropped to one per year.
If you take 67 brush fires times 10 years, that’s almost 700 right there. Those brush fires are incredibly dangerous, all those homes going down proved that.
Sometimes the boy wished they could sit and that words would flow. But when they sat, eyes would turn shyly away. Father and son usually fell silent. It was ancient inherited shame of fathers and sons.
I’m sure I took some licks at the system, and at trials and lawyers in general. I’ve seen enough of them for so many years both as a cop and a defendant in defamation cases.