By Police1 Staff
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, looking to sharpen your leadership skills or aiming to expand your tactical expertise, reading is a powerful tool for professional growth in law enforcement.
We’ve gathered book recommendations from law enforcement leaders and Police1 contributors, along with excerpts from must-read titles for officers, aspiring officers and law enforcement leaders. These selections cover leadership, personal development and even children’s books to inspire the next generation of officers.
Pick up one of these highly-rated reads as a gift for an officer in your life, and let these titles motivate you to learn, grow and lead in the ever-evolving world of policing.
Dive into a good book
These tools and services make it easy to get started on your reading list.
Take thousands of books with you anywhere with this Kindle that reads like real paper, even in sunlight, with a 6.8” display and adjustable warm light, and up to 10 weeks of battery life.
Perfect for busy book lovers, an Audible membership allows you to enjoy your favorite reads during your commute, while running errands or during your workout.
Stream video, read books and news, play games and browse the internet with the Kindle Fire HD 10. High-resolution display and up-to 13 hours of battery life.
This special edition Kindle for young readers comes with a high-resolution display, a cover, 1 year of Amazon Kids+, and a 2-year warranty.
Top book picks from law enforcement leaders
A leader who is open to ideas from peers and subordinates will always be a more effective leader than the person who believes they already know enough and can make decisions on their own
These selections offer unique perspectives that make them valuable for police officers and engaging for anyone interested in law enforcement
Our picks for public safety readers for inspiration, health, healing, leadership and escape
Dive into these captivating stories and real-life experiences shared by law enforcement officers
Dive into a curated collection of must-read public safety books, from thrilling accounts and leadership lessons from the front lines, to read-aloud children’s favorites
Host Jim Dudley and Police1 columnist Chris Littrell share some recommendations
Childrens books about the roles and responsibilities of police officers can be invaluable tools to help kiddos develop an understanding of the importance of policing
Law Enforcement Book Excerpts
Join a veteran police officer, who not only shares his own stories but weaves in the captivating stories of his father, a former K9 handler
Author and police veteran David Berez shares resiliency techniques officers can use to raise their baseline of mental and emotional strength
Read about retired Deputy Sheriff Teresa Fitzgerald’s successful transition from law enforcement to the private sector, as told by author and police veteran Colin Whittington
Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit, shares an insider look at how to prevent shootings and the role threat assessment teams play
Written for officers at all levels, this book discusses proper note-taking at the scene of a crime, different elements of police reports and compliance writing
Neuroscience research can help guide police training for better decision-making and performance under life-threatening stress
Access practical, no-frills advice about what to do to counter the day-to-day challenges and outright calamities that make up the first-line law enforcement leader’s work life
How to be successful from your first day at the police academy through graduation day
The most relevant and important human factors that every investigator, administrator and trainer should understand when conducting use-of-force investigations and reviews
Fighting back against poor police leadership
In this excerpt from “Leading the Small Police Department,” author Chief Gerald Garner breaks down how to battle the enemies of good communication
A journal for police leaders providing daily advice, tips and space for personal leadership reflections
Shop the police book recommendations
Police leadership/career development picks:
- Rising Through The Ranks: Leadership Tools and Techniques for Law Enforcement
- Leadership and Training for the Fight: Using Special Operations Principles to Succeed in Law Enforcement, Business, and War
- Leadership in Law Enforcement: 10 Key Traits and What Law Enforcement Agencies Can Do To Develop These in Future Leaders
- Leading Cops in Turbulent Times: The Practical Roadmap to Highly-Effective Police Leadership
- Police Leadership & Supervision
- The Art Of Strategic Communication: A Police Chief’s Guide To Mastering Soundbites, Storytelling, And Community Engagement
- Police Leadership Redefined - The EQ Advantage: Transforming Law Enforcement with Emotional Intelligence
- Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value
- Leadership Is an Art
- The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t
- The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You
- Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t
- The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy)
- Emotional Intelligence 2.0
- The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership
Police memoirs and autobiographies:
- Armed and Dangerous: Memoirs of a Chicago Policewoman
- In My DNA: My Career Investigating Your Worst Nightmares
- Passing the Badge: Stories from Law Enforcement
- Behind the Badge: A Policeman’s Legacy
- A Life on the Line: My Unexpected Career with the Canada Border Services Agency
- Unwavering Honor
- Selfless Service
- A Darker Shade of Blue: A Police Officer’s Memoir
- The Job: True Tales from the Life of a New York City Cop
- Good Cop, Bad Daughter: Memoirs of an Unlikely Police Officer
- The Blue Journey: Memoirs of a Cop’s Cop
- A Police Chief’s Journey: Diaries of an Extraordinary Career and Stories from Virginia’s Small Towns
- 406: OFFICER NEEDS ASSISTANCE - Memoirs of a San Francisco Police Officer
- Ram One: True Crime Stories of Working Undercover and Breaking Down Doors on the SWAT Team
- Badge on Campus: The Memoir of a School Resource Officer
Children’s books:
- Police Officers on Patrol
- Richard Scarry’s A Day at the Police Station
- My Dream: I Want to Be A Police Officer
- I Want to Be a Police Officer (I Can Read Level 1)
- On Patrol with Police Car - Touch and Feel Board Book
- K9 Mattis on the Job: A Day in the Life of a Police Dog
- Officer Buckle & Gloria
- We Met a Police Officer Today
- My Mommy is a Police Officer
- Police in Our School: An Introduction to School Resource Officers and What They Do
- Here Come the Helpers
- My Daddy is a Police Officer
- The Police 123’s
- Police Officers (In My Neighborhood)
- A Hero Lives in My Family: A Story for Kids of First Responders
First Responder Deals & Discounts
Save up to 20% off rods, fishing gear and apparel.
Save 5% off home furniture and accessories.
Save up to 15% off body care, hair care and personal care products.
Save 10% off hearing aids and accessories.
Save up to 25% off men’s shorts, kids swim and beachwear.
Save up to 5% off holographic glitter, rainbow glitter, glow in the dark glitter, color shifting glitter.
Save 10% off vitamins, supplements, protein powder and health products.
Save 30% off stools and chairs, hammocks, outdoor blankets, and travel accessories.
Save up to 20% off pet lovers, coffee lovers, military and blue line supporters, hunting, fishing and outdoor.
Save up to 25% off stylish home furnishings, décor accents, lighting, and fashion accessories.
Save up to 5% off inflatable stand up paddle boards, electric sup pumps, coolers, and durable mountain gear.
Save 10% off premium home, health, wellness, and personal care products.
Save up to 20% off folding pocketknives, EDC knives and all products.
Save to 35% off multivitamins supplements and health tests.
Save 10% off diapers and training pants, wipes, and accessories.
Save 10% off t-shirts, kids collections and patriotic apparels.
Save up to 10% off hunting and fishing apparel, gear, and home decor!
Save 30% off bikes, scooters, e-bikes, gear, and parts.
Introducing a premium body care product line that leaves you feeling refreshed, nourished, and confident all day long.
Keep your HiddenMiMonsters Tee clean while grilling. Lightweight, stylish, and durable, this apron will make you look great during those backyard cookouts!
Stream the entire Crunchyroll library ad-free and watch new episodes shortly after Japan*
Save up to 30% off hotel stays.
Save up to 25% off lighter cast iron skillets, cast iron cookware sets.
Save 5% off E-scooters, E-bikes, kids bikes, accessories.
Save 25% off insulated stainless steel water bottles, bottle bag.
Save 15% off ice barrel, insulated cold therapy tool and accessories.
Save up to 20% off backpack and soft-side coolers.
Save 12% off key holder and keychain multi-tool and accessories.
Save up to 10% off boutique men’s Swiss watches, straps, and accessories.
Save 15% off jeans, clothing, shoes, and bags.
Recommended For You
After testing three premium Merino wool socks through long patrol shifts in Arizona’s extreme heat, one officer shares what worked — and why quality socks are worth the investment
Practical tips for choosing an outer carrier, organizing your gear and building a comfortable setup that performs through every shift.
5.11 Tactical, Huel, LA Police Gear and others are offering discounts during National Police Week
A look at discounted tech, gear and personal essentials that align with patrol and off-duty needs
Stock up at 5.11 Tactical, grab a free meal at Chili’s, and enjoy more deals honoring U.S. military and first responders
These stores and restaurants are showing their gratitude to law enforcement officers with an abundance of discounts
Find deals on duty gear, household supplies, electronic devices and more — but only for a limited time
On National Punctuation Day, test your knowledge of punctuation
Bloodwork, CPAP therapy, supplements and nighttime routines can address hidden health issues that sabotage rest — and help officers sleep soundly again
From mattresses and pillows to sheets, blankets and quilts, here’s how officers can turn their bed into a recovery tool that supports health, performance and well-being
Discover how officers can improve sleep and fight fatigue with simple changes like air filters, blackout curtains and humidity control
Investing in the right police gym equipment means more than upgraded workouts — it means preparing officers for survival in real-world encounters
From patrol bags to medical kits, here are the essential accessories every officer should keep in a new take-home car
Insulated, smart, and high-capacity bottles designed to help first responders beat dehydration on shift and beyond
From paddleboarding and kayaking to fishing in remote areas, discover the gear, training and self-defense strategies outdoor enthusiasts need to stay safe on the water
Police1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.