Fort Apache

by Tom Walker

OVER THIRTY YEARS AFTER its publication, Fort Apache: New York's Most Violent Precinct remains the definitive account of the vicious cycle of violence that has griped urban America over the past century.

A swollen head floating down the Bronx River, a junkie murdered for stealing a woman's wig, a French Connection-style chase through blind alleys, police barricaded inside their precinct as a wild mob lays siege to the station - and, above all, mindless violence that seemed to erupt in profusion for no apparent reason against the cops who faithfully served and cared deeply about the neighborhood that was rapidly imploding.

Genres: Fiction, Biography Memoir, True Crime, Police

Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 1976

Reviews

[Michael Pelligrini]

Great book

Very interesting look into the world of law enforcement. An incredible story of New York City policemen. they Re not paid enough for the work they do.God bless them. Great story

[Stephanie Hughes]

Tom Walker gives an excellent snapshot of this early 1970s era, a place, and a group of people that should not be forgotten. In good, tough cop language, he shares a close view of the day to day battles that they, as cops not only faced, but which all the citizens, and families had to suffer. It's hard to imagine parts of New York City looking like bombed out third world countries, with people murdering each other in the streets, but it certainly was. During this time, this area of the South Bronx was also the incubator for hip-hop, house music and graffiti artwork that was to become part of mainstream pop culture decades later.

[Steven Medina]

Very good book. Shows a lotta nasty crime happening back then in the Bronx in 1970s. For me, I could feel the frustration/anger in certain depictions of what Walker was accounting in the 41 precinct’s fight on crime. A couple of the accounts Walker discusses was from another book I read recently called street warrior by retired NYPD detective Ralph Friedman. If you enjoyed reading this book, read Ralph Friedman’s book also. Very similar tales from the Bronx’s 41st Precinct.

[FellowBibliophile KvK]

The part of New York they never show on *Friends* and *Sex And The City*, where the skells attack the station and where even the Captain's car is not safe. Yet, day in and day out, the MOS of the NYPD come in and do what they can to fight the savage skells who would turn the city into a complete jungle. Understaffed and underequipped, the MOS (Members Of the Service) never give up, hence their name New York's Finest.

[Rich Zahradnik]

Gives a very clear picture of that time in the most dangerous part of the New York City in the mid-seventies... a time that's hard to imagine today. A bit repetitive. Written in the direct style of a an actual cop (which Walker was, a lieutenant).

[Douglas]

Great book!