StreetCreds

Curbchek #2

by Zach Fortier

StreetCreds is a look inside the world of street gangs and the cops that work them. Filled with drive by shootings, back-stabbing detectives, ruthless gang members, killers, and un-believable gang on gang violence. it is all there. StreetCreds takes you inside the Gang Task Force. Hold on for a reality check.

Genres: Nonfiction, Amazon, True Crime, Thriller, Ebooks, Crime

245 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2012

About the author

2013 Readers Favorite Bronze medal winner
2014 Readers Favorite Gold and Silver medal winner
Finalist in 2014 Chanticleer Book awards contest
2015 IPPY Bronze Medal winner
2015 semi finalist Kindle Book Awards (X2)
2015 Finalist in the IAN book awards (X2)
2015 Readers Favorite Bronze medal winner
2015 Readers Favorite Finalist true crime/non fiction(x2)
2015 Finalist Kindle Book Awards
2015 Finalist USA Today book awards (x3)
2015 Finalist Chanticleer Clue book awards(x3)
2015 First place award in the Chanticleer Clue book awards contest in true crime.
2015 Winner of the Book Pipeline contest.
2016 Winner of the NIEA book awards in African American non fiction
2016 Finalist Kindle Book awards
2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards winner in suspense genre.
2017 Finalist in the NIEA Book Awards in Suspense genre
Finalist in Biography General in the 2017 American Book Fest International book awards
Finalist 2017 Kindle Book awards
Short List 2017 Chanticleer Clue awards.
Bronze medal in the 2017 Readers Favorite Book contest in Suspense genre
Awarded Silver medal in the 2018 eLit Book Awards contest in the Mystery/thriller genre Finalist in Biography genre in the 2018 Book Excellence awards contest.
Bronze medal in the 2018 Readers Favorite Book contest in Thriller genre
Semi finalist for 2018 Chanticleer Clue awards
Solo medal winner of the 2018 New Apple Book awards contest in the Psychological Thriller category.
Solo medal winner in the 2019 Book Excellence book award contest in the suspense genre .
Bronze medal winner in the 2019 Readers Favorite international book awards contest in the fiction-suspense genre
Named as an Official Selection in the 2019 New Apple Summer E book awards contest in the Psychological Suspense genre
First Place winner in the 2019 Top Shelf book awards contest.
Winner of the 2020 Book Excellence book awards contest in Sci Fi Genre
Awarded 1st place in Chanticleer's 2020 Cygnus book awards contest for Science Fiction

Zach Fortier was a police officer for over thirty years specializing in K-9, SWAT, gangs, domestic violence, and sex crimes as an investigator. He has written several books about his life in police work. CurbChek won the bronze medal for True Crime in the 2013 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Street Creds and Curbchek Reload won a gold and silver medal respectively for True Crime in the 2014 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. His other works are Hero To Zero, which details the incredibly talented cops that he worked with that ended up going down in flames, some ended up in prison and one on the FBI’s ten most wanted list. Landed on Black described the toxic culture of the police department and streets, ultimately leading to the realization that Zach has been diagnosed with PTSD. I am Raymond Washington is the only authorized biography of the original founder of the Crips and has been awarded bronze medals in 2015 by both IPPY and Readers Favorite International book awards. Baroota: The Hunting Ground is Zach’s first fictional work, and is the start of this series, followed by Cachibache, Izadi and Chakana. All books in the Director's Series are award winning. If you are looking for gritty, true crime stories, be sure to check out all of Zach Fortier’s novels. Zach currently lives in the mountains of Colorado, with his wife Christina.



www.zachfortier.com
E mail: authorzachfortier@gmail.com

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A couple weeks back I was lucky enough to be able to read and review Zach Fortier's first book, Curbchek, which I absolutely loved. I gladly accepted when Zach offered me a review copy of Streetcreds, and I am glad to say I loved it just as much as I loved Curbchek!


While Curbchek mostly followed Fortier as a cop patrolling the city, etc. Streetcreds focused on the Gang Task Force that Fortier was on for a while. While it is a bit different that what happens in Curbchek, I thought it was cool to learn about the different ways Zach interacted with the gangs and how the streets worked when he became more involved with different groups. The action and intensity is still there, and I loved it. Another thing that I don't think there was much of in Curbchek that is seen in Streetcreds is a bit of background on Fortier. There was a bit in the beginning of the novel that was especially touching (not really the right word, but at the same time it is, and also slightly sad) about Zach's childhood. I just felt for Zach and reading the scene was very emotional. I felt it was a great addition to the story that let us see a little in Zach's past and what he had to deal with growing up.


I really liked how the stories were spread out and how certain parts involved people from earlier stories, just like in Curbchek. It is so strange to think that in the gang world, people keep turning back up and just won't go away.I loved how Zach progressed throughout the novel, how being on the Gang Task Force affected him. Especially the last two chapters or so really showed how the Task Force had changed Zach as a person, and it seemed it changed him in a much different way than being a cop in Curbchek did. I thought it was cool how the two different jobs had different effects on Fortier, and it was scary to see what it did to him.


In Curbchek, it took me a while to get used to Zach's writing style, but it had eventually grown on me and I really enjoyed it. Jumping into Streetcreds gave me no problems, as I really do enjoy Fortier's style of writing now. I don't really know how to describe it, it is just really to the point, I guess you could say. It keeps things understandable and puts you right there in the event, and you feel like you are right there with Zach.


Streetcreds had some pretty disturbing parts, just like Curbchek, and it was awesome. It was real, and often kinda scary. Some of the cases Zach had to deal with were beyond weird, and it was really cool to get some insight into just what he had to deal with.


Overall, I really enjoyed Streetcreds, just as much as i enjoyed Curbchek, and i definitely look forward to Zach's next novel, Curbchek Reload. I have a feeling its gonna be awesome. Anyway, if you are looking for a fast paced, real, and highly enjoyable story, i recommend you check out Streetcreds, and also Curbchek. You don't want to miss out!

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The descriptions of characters and incidents kept me reading, but this book desperately needs better editing. Some sentences/paragraphs simply need to be re-ordered, and then the writing and storytelling would flow better. As is, it's a series of anecdotes which make you feel as if you're listening to the author tell his stories. (My rating is actually 3.5 stars.)

Updated 04.17.13: Since Monday afternoon, I've seen hours of coverage on the bombings at the Boston Marathon. Yesterday afternoon, one of my friends witnessed a shooting in the city where we work. What does this have to do with my review? It serves as yet another reminder for us to thank and appreciate those in law enforcement and emergency and medical services who work so hard for us.

[Garth Mailman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't finish it.

As another reviewer has written, free or not, not worth the download. One is forced to believe that if this man still works for the police he writes under a pen name and that the authour photo is faked. The police service he describes is too busy chasing its own tail to fight crime. Given that police services are run by human beings and manned by officers with the same failings this officer sees conspiracy behind every doorway. In the first place it would seem their psychological profiling system has failed them or they would never have hired someone whose childhood years left him as screwed up as this person describes his as being. After reading the first couple chapters I was forced to decided this book just wasn’t worth my time.

[Lisa-Jaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although my review of Zach Fortier’s Curbchek was less than favorable, the author asked me to read and review Street Creds, which follows much the same format but focuses on Fortier’s time working on the Gang Task Force. I expected Curbchek to be a novel, which it claims to be. But it was a rather thinly disguised memoir of actual police cases, and so when I began Street Creds I was prepared for the same thing. I was not disappointed.

In the specialized Gang Task Force, Fortier once again shows us the realities of life on the other side of the law, as he infiltrates some of the toughest gangs on the streets. Using his apparent charm to get hardened criminals, drug dealers, and gang members to trust him, he not only makes arrests and gets convictions in court, but he also dodges bullets, engages in a dangerous high-speed chase after witnessing a drive-by, and even plays a key role in stopping a turf war. Reading about these exploits makes you wonder how the force got along before he joined them. The raw language, which only highlights his rough writing skills, for some reason fits in with the down-and-dirty, super-hero-like feats he pulls off.

The book is arranged as a series of chapters highlighting different cases with gangs, and unlike Curbchek, which didn’t have any kind of arc, Street Creds feels more like a complete story. Chapter One explains how Fortier became part of the Gang Task Force and his disdain at discovering how mismanaged the department was, and as the chapters progress, he gradually gets to know the individual gang members, which helps him succeed in solving crimes and cleaning up the streets, at least according to him. By the end I almost felt like I knew the author better, and in some strange way, even understood him.

This time around Fortier gives us a glimpse of his violent childhood. Raised by a sadistic mother and an overworked and angry father, he and his brother are taught at a young age to steal, lie and fight. Like many children raised in such an environment, he grows up believing that his is a normal childhood. After describing this horrific upbringing, Fortier concludes that the abuse only made him better able to relate to the gang members he spends time with every day.

Street Creds also shows us the emotional state of a man who spends his days and nights with criminals and violence. In a poignant moment near the end of the book, the author observes his daughter in the bathroom. She is looking in the mirror and holding up her hands in a way that makes him think she is making a gang “sign.” He is appalled and angry that his own daughter may actually be involved in a gang, and he confronts her. The girl, scared and confused, tells her father that she is only looking at nail polishes and trying to decide what color to wear. Defeated, Fortier realizes that it’s time to get off the streets, or he may destroy one of the only good relationships he has.

Despite his aggression and complete lack of respect for his fellow police officers, Fortier hides his vulnerability behind a tough guy façade as he gamely tries to find his place in the world. Street Creds is more introspective and controlled than Curbchek. Fortier’s anger issues are still there, but he clearly wants to make things better, both on the streets and in the Task Force. He’s trying to figure out which world he belongs in, and my guess is it’s somewhere in between.

Many thanks to the author for sending me a review copy of the book.

This review originally appeared on Books, Bones & Buffy.

[Aimeekay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading Street Creds. I had read Curbchek and enjoyed it immensely.

Fortier continues painting the picture that he started in his first book. This time however the focus is more on his years in the gang task force, which he only touched on previously. He also goes deeper into detail on some of the incidents that he first introduced in his previous book. At first I wasn't sure how to take the repeating of some of the stories. The more I thought on it though, the repetition makes sense. Curbchek was his experiences as a whole while in law enforcement, Streetcreds is specifically his experiences in and with the gang unit, as well as the gangs that they interacted with. It also draws a painful portrait of a man whose daily interactions with the community he served permanently skewed how he saw the world around him. (If you're still concerned about it, don't worry it's only a few stories, and not the majority of the book, so it doesn't take away from the book)
Streetcreds is also darker than it's predecessor. There are fewer laugh out loud moments, and more that were just heart-wrenching. Again I think this is due to how these experiences affected him and that he is trying to communicate that to the reader. But once again Fortier lifts the veil that separates the average day person from a world that is dangerous and a lot closer than they realize. He also shows how not everyone who is involved is stupid or strung out.How the gang world is evolving and changing. And even how those who refuse to acknowledge the darker side of society's existence aren't immune to it's touch.
I think whether or not you read the first book, you will still enjoy Streetcreds. It's fast paced and there are some great insights in it into the world of gangs and the people who are trying to control them.
Definitely worth picking up.

[Dan G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading CurbChek, I waited with strong anticipation for the release of Street Creds. I was not dissapointed.
Zach takes us to the streets with him as he recounts his time as a gangs detective in the city of "St. Paul". This book does not read like a traditional novel, but rather a collection of short stories. Each of which is a new case Zach takes on, or a bone chilling event that took place during his gang assignment. He breaks down each gang, and their m.o. as they arrive in the stories. None of these cases are ordinary, each is very dymanic in their own way. One story he ends up in a high-speed pursuit of some thugs who just committed a drive-by shooting, and he has the reader wondering if he is going kill these guys (out of anger, not necessity) once he catches them. Zach had to work with a unit of detectives who were constantly trying to sabotage his cases, administration who could care less about the rampant gang wars that were taking place under their noses, and city councilmen who were affiliated with the bangers themselves. This gave Zach the "Everyone is corrupt, trust no one" mentality. He is very articulate in his writing and will put the reader in the room with him. The same room where he stands toe-to-toe with twenty bangers, ready to shoot it out! Pick this book up, and you'll never put it down.
-Dan G.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won Street Creds by Zach Fortier through the Goodreads giveaway contest.
They say that God never gives you more than you can handle, but in this story Zach has been through alot, and learned so much during the process.
Street Creds is a look inside the Gang culture in the inner city, and the cases handled by Zach Fortier.I could not walk away from this book. Zach does an amazing job at making you feel as though you are in the experience with him. While describing the shocking truth of the dangerous and entirely political game of Police work, I felt every emotion.My heart went out to him. Having always to watch his back, while dealing with the enemy, and dealing with the "What's in it for Me" generation in his department. Zach put everything on the line to be a cop with integrity, treating everyone with respect, taking the time to learn the streets and the culture within it. Yet he was fighting an uphill battle, not only on the street, but within the department. Fighting to solve cases, get accurate information, get criminal's off the street and fighting to get co-workers and administration to really give a damn about what was happening in the city. STREETCREDS is a great look inside the culture of gangs, the competition within the Police department and the political stranglehold that can be placed on any given Officer at any given time.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Curbchek I was honoured to receive a paperback copy of Street Creds from Zach Fortier. I really enjoyed this one too, but Zach is a very different man from the first book. This book is equally gripping, honest and humble, but the lead is a lot less green and has been hardened somewhat by life.

Zach speaks of not just the stress of working to crack gangs and apprehend gang members, making the streets safer, but also of the war with his dodgy and often haphazard colleagues and his inner battle with himself. The streets have taken their toll and we see him struggle to retain the softer side of his identity, but how can this be possible with what he sees and hears on a daily basis.

This book stayed with me for a long time and I can't wait to read Curbchek Reloaded. I honestly take my hat off to Zach, I know for a fact that I would not be able to do a job like he did, let alone be brave enough to write the truth afterwards. We need more like Zach on our streets to keep our children safe, and it's a shame that many good guys are broken by the sheer weight of responsibility.

Well written and edited as usual, the paperback version was my copy for this review but it is also available on Kindle now.

Rachel Dove
The Kindle Book Review

[Beth Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

After throughly enjoying reading Zach's book "Curbchek" I was very excited when Zach asked me to read "Street Creds" and do a review for him! I was definately not disappointed! As usual Zach protrays a remarkedly refreshing honest account on his experiences working with the diverse gangs on the streets today. He lays it all right out there, the good and the bad by individual cases and gangs he was working with. I especially appreciate his honesty in speaking out on the corruption that exists within our police force. Although we all know that is exists, it is rare when it is publicized and even rarer by a fellow officer. I read this book in one day, once I started it, I read it cover to cover. Zach's patience and dedication to his career is definately an asset to the safety of our streets. Zach not only takes the time to get to know the different gangs and their traits, but also goes the extra step and tries extremely hard to get to know as many of them as possible as individuals. These are not just "cases" to Zach, they are individuals....and he treats them as such. As you are reading this book, Zach writes in such a descriptive way it feels like you are actually there beside him. I would definately reccommend this book to others to read!!! Another great job Zach!

[Jeannie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say StreetCreds definitely is a reality check to what is actually happening on the streets, and elsewhere, especially in big cities, but also in towns.
The author was a police officer, who spent time in a Gang task force. He has been fighting crime for over 30 years. He knows what it is like to put everything on the line as a cop with integrity and fighting the uphill battle on the street as well as trying to get some co-workers and administration officials to give a hoot about what is happening in the streets and the department. The author exposes corruption both on the streets and in the police department. Unfortunately, there are good cops and there are bad cops. I believe readers will come to respect Zach Fortier and the amazing job he does in describing the truth and the danger.
Does the dedicated police officer wind up with no one to trust? Does he lose his relationship with his family? Does he lose his sanity? You will have to read this incredible book to find out.
I highly recommend reading StreetCreds. It is a book you won't be able to put down. Just be ready to experience all your emotions - sadness, anger, shock, and rage.

Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil"- A True Crime Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited in anticipation for STREETCREDS after reading CURBCHEK and my expectations were exceeded. I could not walk away from this book. Zach does an amazing job at making you feel as though you are in the experience with him. While describing the shocking truth and facade of the dangerous and entirely political game of Police work, I felt every emotion. I felt anger, sadness, shock and rage as Zach recounted cases he'd handled. Having to watch his back, while dealing with two enemy factions. The known enemy of the streets and the unknown of his department. Zach put everything on the line to be a cop with integrity, treating everyone with respect, taking the time to learn the streets and the culture within it. Yet he was fighting an uphill battle, not only on the street, but within the department. Fighting to solve cases, get accurate information, get criminal's off the street and fighting to get co-workers and administration to really give a damn about what was happening in the city. STREETCREDS is a great look inside the culture of gangs, the competition within the Police department and the political stranglehold that can be placed on any given Officer at any given time.

[Shannon Gambino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zach Fortier exposes more internal corruption as he takes to the streets to battle the gangs' forever increasing activity. Zach hangs on to a modicum of sanity as he deals with gang crimes and the superiority complex of the higher echelon in his police force. Taking on a more somber mood than his previous book, CURBCHEK, STREETCREDS reads more like a death warrant for all involved - as if each person is doomed to lose, including Zach. Each story concludes with the gang member being locked up, washed up, used up, or dead; each chapter leading to an ultimate demise of friendships, family, sanity, and even life. Toward the end of the book, Zach is dealing with almost the same internal conflict as the older gang members: he's alone with no one to trust, has lost his relationship with his daughter, is fighting for his sanity. Zach's story directly parallells that of each gang member written about in STREETCREDS.

The insight given shows how much those who willingly put their lives on the line to protect the streets are affected by it. Kudos to Mr. Fortier who opens up without qualms and shows the world the good, the bad, the funny, and the ugly of police work.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow Zach got into my heart more than most… I found myself screaming RUN but there he stood ALONE… facing the streets challenging THEM to fight… Stealing life escaping from death… the barrel of Pacman’s gun stuck in my soul… a kid’s need to be a kid but family and society unrelenting… treating others with dignity and respect even after they try to kill…

The mother yelling, Pacman get out of the street! You're gonna get killed!

A father coming to Zach's car looking in seeing the barrel pointed ready to fire...

The daughter most precious gift of all do they live or do they die... do they forgive or do they forget...

My heart afraid that soon the pages would end… StreetCreds better than Curbchek both leaving me wanting… needing… more…

[Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

StreetCreds: Commanding a level of respect in an urban environment due to experience in or knowledge of issues affecting those environments.

Welcome back to the life of Zach Fortier, first seen in CurbChek! StreetCreds is a more in depth look at Zach's time in the Gang Task Force. Pulling no punches, Mr. Fortier tells it raw and uncensored - as it truly happened. At times scary and at times heart-wrenching, StreetCreds will definitely make it's mark on your mind and heart. It's amazing to me to read about all of the b.s. cops have to deal with - not only on the streets, but in their own units. It seems to me the thin blue line is only in effect at certain times and not for everyone. StreetCreds is amazing and eye-opening!


Books by Zach Fortier: CurbChek, StreetCreds, Curbchek Reload

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zach gets a little more fictional, but still close enough to reality to be scary. Zach is not afraid to rip on the politics of the PD, while continueing to do the job the way he see's fit. A realistic view of how the battle is actually fought on three fronts at the same time, fighting crime; the administration; and staying within the acceptable norm of society. Zach presents his insight on the inner city gangs and some of the more colorful people who choose to make that their life. The toll taken on him and his fellow officers is brought to light, explaining the burnout and cutthroat tactics utilized within the culture. Having worked closely with Zach and actually being referenced in this book are both honors. Thanks Zach for another great adventure!!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone that loves the world of police work!! Zach takes the reader inside the life of "the working detective" it is often brutal and you never know who you can trust both on and off the streets. He does a great job of explaining the "bangers" mentality, their skewed sense of loyalty etc.. The book is fast paced and moves from one case to the next which keeps the reader engaged. The book is well worth the read!! Street Creds

[Name Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I found out that there would be a second book from Zach, I couldn’t wait. I even read CurbChek again while anxiously awaiting the arrival of Street Creds. I was excited to read about his time working the streets – focusing on the gang population. Street Creds did not disappoint. I was afraid for Pacman’s life at every turn of the page. I seriously can't believe he is still alive! The fact that he survived all of the "hits," the face-to-face confrontations with the many violent gang members, the drive-by’s, the crazy ex-wife, is in one word, amazing.

[Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm what to say about this book. Good read if you want to see that cops are human too!! ZF isn't afraid to show people that everyone is just one step away from "crazy". Also showing that it takes a twisted mind to think, relate to, uncover and gain "respect" in all areas of life - on the "good side or the bad". The fact that ZF can share a little bit of his experience without creating the illusion of he's all that is a relief. Stay true 606 and keep it real. Look forward to more good reads!

[2fsierra8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading Street Creds and absolutely LOVED it! Street Creds is one of those books that will suck you in from the beginning and keep you hanging on every page. If I didn't know Zack personally and been by his side for some his recounts, then I wouldn't believe what he was writing. Zach has an edgy style to his books and his ability to articulate is outstanding! I highly reccomend Street Creds and Curb Chek to anybody wanting a glimpse into the life of a police officer!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Street Creeds was a look into Fortier's experience on the Gang Task Force. You get more character development in this book, and Fortier shares more of what makes him tick. Like Curbchek this book was broken into chapters that could stand on their own. However, he goes much into much more depth with the gangs and his relationships. I preferred the fast pace and various stories in Curbchek more. Yet this was a good read, and I highly recommend it.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting insight into the minds of criminal gang members from the viewpoint of a law enforcement professional. Reading the book is like sitting down one afternoon with Zach Fortier listening to him tell you stories from his time working the gang task force. It is an engaging read that can be finished in one sitting so you may not be interested if you are looking for a novel to immerse yourself in for a while.

[Mary Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book "Curb Check" was very exciting and interesting. Zach is truly a hero. He is dedicated to his work in helping and understanding others. This book was hard to put down and I read it before my daughter.

I was anxious to read the 2nd book and found it to be just as interesting and exciting as the first. Can't wait for the third book.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing compilation of life stories by Zach Fortier. Even more intense then Curb Chek and sure shows the reality of the job. I love the real rawness that Zach keeps in his books. You can read them as a whole book or just a story at a time, either way you will not be able to turn the book away. Love it keep up the good work!

[Shawn Powell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stopped reading on page 22. Author's tone was too self-righteous for me (he's always doing the right thing while everyone else is lazy or corrupt) and the tales of child abuse were horrific. My one star rating may be unfair for only reading 22 pages, but that's how long it took me to figure out that I didn't need to waste any more time on this one.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!! Zach does a great job at sharing with readers the true moments of law enforcement with the good and the bad. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a career at law enforcement or just wants to know a little more of the profession. 10 STARS!!!

[Josh Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book, had a hard time putting it down. The book keeps your interest the entire way through, it's amazing the detail that go into his books. Can not wait till curb check reloaded come out.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

An awesome sequel to "Curb Chek"!! The author shares his experiences working in the Gang Unit of the police force, and what its really like out on the streets.

[Becky Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative - educational - kind of sad to know all the things that really happen in the system.

[Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting.

This was a good read. Really gives you an insight into the gang lifestyle and how this cop was able to get right into the middle of it.