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Busting Bad Guys: My True Crime Stories of Bookies, Drug Dealers and Ladies of the Night
13 seconds of pure terror in a shootout with a drug dealer... Real crime. Real-life cop stories.
Sergeant Mark Langan relives his front-row seat working the seamier side of crime during his decorated twenty-six-year career from youngest rookie in 1978 to narcotics sergeant on the Omaha Police force.
Langan caught bold burglars who silently entered homes to get thrills off of touching sleeping victims. He hit bookie joints in smoke-filled bars, squeezed snitches for information, and arrested prostitutes and their everyday "Johns" in dangerous downtown alleys.
Langan worked his way up the ranks to command undercover narcotics operations in the 1980s when sinister LA gangbangers invaded Omaha and claimed neighborhoods to sell crack.
In his celebrated career, Langan felt the gut-wrenching pain of innocent children caught inside the wicked world of drugs and crime, their "safe" worlds shattered when the battering ram knocked down their doors-their cries haunt him every day. And two players from his past reemerge in startling ways.
Busting Bad Guys delivers a graphic and authentic look at solid policing on the streets of America's heartland and takes readers inside the high-adrenaline, top-secret investigations to develop innovative tactics to outsmart the criminals.
Steven Eskew, book reviewer and writer in New York City, says "Langan relates his many adventures with meat and potatoes precision, illustrating a cop's life with detailed imagery but without sensationalizing the excitement. He balances his memoir by sharing his years-later encounter with "One-Eyed Jack's" daughter, (the drug dealer that was killed during a shoot out at the beginning of the book), and an update on a childhood playmate who had descended into prostitution. The book's sheer readability and intriguing subject matter makes you sorry to find yourself on the final page."
Sergeant Mark Langan relives his front-row seat working the seamier side of crime during his decorated twenty-six-year career from youngest rookie in 1978 to narcotics sergeant on the Omaha Police force.
Langan caught bold burglars who silently entered homes to get thrills off of touching sleeping victims. He hit bookie joints in smoke-filled bars, squeezed snitches for information, and arrested prostitutes and their everyday "Johns" in dangerous downtown alleys.
Langan worked his way up the ranks to command undercover narcotics operations in the 1980s when sinister LA gangbangers invaded Omaha and claimed neighborhoods to sell crack.
In his celebrated career, Langan felt the gut-wrenching pain of innocent children caught inside the wicked world of drugs and crime, their "safe" worlds shattered when the battering ram knocked down their doors-their cries haunt him every day. And two players from his past reemerge in startling ways.
Busting Bad Guys delivers a graphic and authentic look at solid policing on the streets of America's heartland and takes readers inside the high-adrenaline, top-secret investigations to develop innovative tactics to outsmart the criminals.
Steven Eskew, book reviewer and writer in New York City, says "Langan relates his many adventures with meat and potatoes precision, illustrating a cop's life with detailed imagery but without sensationalizing the excitement. He balances his memoir by sharing his years-later encounter with "One-Eyed Jack's" daughter, (the drug dealer that was killed during a shoot out at the beginning of the book), and an update on a childhood playmate who had descended into prostitution. The book's sheer readability and intriguing subject matter makes you sorry to find yourself on the final page."
330 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2014
67 people are currently reading
1060 people want to read
About the author
Mark Langan
5 books16 followersMark Langan retired after a twenty-six-year career with the Omaha Police Department. In 1978 Mark was the youngest police officer ever hired on the Omaha Police Department at age eighteen. He worked as a uniformed officer and as a detective in the Burglary, Vice, and Narcotics Units. Mark was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1988, working as a supervisor in the Narcotics Unit until his retirement in 2004.
During his career Mark wrote nationally published articles on various law enforcement topics and lectured throughout the country. Recognized as a court-authorized expert on narcotics investigations, Mark testified hundreds of times in both state and federal court.
Mark is certified in teaching workplace violence and active shooter training for employees in private corporations.
He has appeared on national news programs including The Nancy Grace Show, CNN, and The Today Show.
Mark was awarded the Omaha Police Department’s highest honors: the Medal of Valor for his actions in the Chavez shooting and the Distinguished Service Medal for his work in the Narcotics Unit, and numerous commendations over the years.
From 2000 to 2008 Mark was appointed by the Governor to the Judicial Nominating Commission and was involved in selecting candidates for judgeships in Nebraska.
Mark is now Vice-President of Field Operations for the Nebraska Humane Society where he is responsible for the investigation of crimes involving animals. He has continued writing articles for national law enforcement publications and is a recognized national speaker on animal cruelty and dog fighting issues. He serves as a consultant on security and law enforcement topics for private clients.
Mark and his wife, Annette, live in Omaha with their black Labrador Laci.
For more information about Busting Bad Guys, or Mark Langan, please contact mtl838@conciergemarketing.com.
To speak to someone about bulk orders of Busting Bad Guys or to book an interview, speaking event, or book signing, please call (402) 884-5995 or visit www.BustingBadGuys.com.
Mark Langan retired after a twenty-six-year career with the Omaha Police Department. In 1978 Mark was the youngest police officer ever hired on the Omaha Police Department at age eighteen. He worked as a uniformed officer and as a detective in the Burglary, Vice, and Narcotics Units. Mark was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1988, working as a supervisor in the Narcotics Unit until his retirement in 2004.
During his career Mark wrote nationally published articles on various law enforcement topics and lectured throughout the country. Recognized as a court-authorized expert on narcotics investigations, Mark testified hundreds of times in both state and federal court.
Mark is certified in teaching workplace violence and active shooter training for employees in private corporations.
He has appeared on national news programs including The Nancy Grace Show, CNN, and The Today Show.
Mark was awarded the Omaha Police Department’s highest honors: the Medal of Valor for his actions in the Chavez shooting and the Distinguished Service Medal for his work in the Narcotics Unit, and numerous commendations over the years.
From 2000 to 2008 Mark was appointed by the Governor to the Judicial Nominating Commission and was involved in selecting candidates for judgeships in Nebraska.
Mark is now Vice-President of Field Operations for the Nebraska Humane Society where he is responsible for the investigation of crimes involving animals. He has continued writing articles for national law enforcement publications and is a recognized national speaker on animal cruelty and dog fighting issues. He serves as a consultant on security and law enforcement topics for private clients.
Mark and his wife, Annette, live in Omaha with their black Labrador Laci.
For more information about Busting Bad Guys, or Mark Langan, please contact mtl838@conciergemarketing.com.
To speak to someone
During his career Mark wrote nationally published articles on various law enforcement topics and lectured throughout the country. Recognized as a court-authorized expert on narcotics investigations, Mark testified hundreds of times in both state and federal court.
Mark is certified in teaching workplace violence and active shooter training for employees in private corporations.
He has appeared on national news programs including The Nancy Grace Show, CNN, and The Today Show.
Mark was awarded the Omaha Police Department’s highest honors: the Medal of Valor for his actions in the Chavez shooting and the Distinguished Service Medal for his work in the Narcotics Unit, and numerous commendations over the years.
From 2000 to 2008 Mark was appointed by the Governor to the Judicial Nominating Commission and was involved in selecting candidates for judgeships in Nebraska.
Mark is now Vice-President of Field Operations for the Nebraska Humane Society where he is responsible for the investigation of crimes involving animals. He has continued writing articles for national law enforcement publications and is a recognized national speaker on animal cruelty and dog fighting issues. He serves as a consultant on security and law enforcement topics for private clients.
Mark and his wife, Annette, live in Omaha with their black Labrador Laci.
For more information about Busting Bad Guys, or Mark Langan, please contact mtl838@conciergemarketing.com.
To speak to someone about bulk orders of Busting Bad Guys or to book an interview, speaking event, or book signing, please call (402) 884-5995 or visit www.BustingBadGuys.com.
Mark Langan retired after a twenty-six-year career with the Omaha Police Department. In 1978 Mark was the youngest police officer ever hired on the Omaha Police Department at age eighteen. He worked as a uniformed officer and as a detective in the Burglary, Vice, and Narcotics Units. Mark was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1988, working as a supervisor in the Narcotics Unit until his retirement in 2004.
During his career Mark wrote nationally published articles on various law enforcement topics and lectured throughout the country. Recognized as a court-authorized expert on narcotics investigations, Mark testified hundreds of times in both state and federal court.
Mark is certified in teaching workplace violence and active shooter training for employees in private corporations.
He has appeared on national news programs including The Nancy Grace Show, CNN, and The Today Show.
Mark was awarded the Omaha Police Department’s highest honors: the Medal of Valor for his actions in the Chavez shooting and the Distinguished Service Medal for his work in the Narcotics Unit, and numerous commendations over the years.
From 2000 to 2008 Mark was appointed by the Governor to the Judicial Nominating Commission and was involved in selecting candidates for judgeships in Nebraska.
Mark is now Vice-President of Field Operations for the Nebraska Humane Society where he is responsible for the investigation of crimes involving animals. He has continued writing articles for national law enforcement publications and is a recognized national speaker on animal cruelty and dog fighting issues. He serves as a consultant on security and law enforcement topics for private clients.
Mark and his wife, Annette, live in Omaha with their black Labrador Laci.
For more information about Busting Bad Guys, or Mark Langan, please contact mtl838@conciergemarketing.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 12, 2016
True Crime Stories From the Officer Who Lived Through Them
Reading these stories shared by Mark Langan wasn't pleasant because they were the raw truth. You may think you understand what crime is all about by reading a story about a criminal act in the paper or hearing about one on the 10:00 o'clock news, but you only find out the summary. If you really want to find out what really happened on the streets of Omaha read Mark's revelation of Bookies, Drug Dealers and Ladies of the Night. A word of warning - be prepared to hear the raw truth with very little left to the imagination.
Reading these stories shared by Mark Langan wasn't pleasant because they were the raw truth. You may think you understand what crime is all about by reading a story about a criminal act in the paper or hearing about one on the 10:00 o'clock news, but you only find out the summary. If you really want to find out what really happened on the streets of Omaha read Mark's revelation of Bookies, Drug Dealers and Ladies of the Night. A word of warning - be prepared to hear the raw truth with very little left to the imagination.
February 4, 2023
I mean…saying that the most important skill for a cop to have is “penis control” because temptation is just so strong when trying to bust sex workers? Are you kidding?
August 28, 2016
Both my husband and I finished this book in just under 3 days, we just couldn't put it down. It was a very interesting book that details the career of Mark Langan as an Omaha Police Officer. The author does a great job of speaking from his heart, both good and bad, and is shockingly honest about his entire career. I was both amazed and appalled about the vast amount of crime and protection that is happening within my own city. I think this is a great read for everyone, regardless of whether or not you live in Omaha, to put a spotlight on the "quiet and secret" ways police officers protect our everyday life and 'bust those bad guys.'
The book opens with the most shocking and tragic event in Mark's career. It then walks you through several other unbelievable stories of corruption, drugs, prostitution, gambling, family tragedies, and many more. These are stories that most of us never encounter in our lives and certainly never want to. The book includes actual photos of crime scenes, mug shots and police reports; as well as personal touches including family photos and pictures of Mark and his partners. After reading this book, I appreciate the efforts Mark Langan (and countless other officers) put into his career and into sharing his story with me through this book.
The book opens with the most shocking and tragic event in Mark's career. It then walks you through several other unbelievable stories of corruption, drugs, prostitution, gambling, family tragedies, and many more. These are stories that most of us never encounter in our lives and certainly never want to. The book includes actual photos of crime scenes, mug shots and police reports; as well as personal touches including family photos and pictures of Mark and his partners. After reading this book, I appreciate the efforts Mark Langan (and countless other officers) put into his career and into sharing his story with me through this book.
August 28, 2017
Picked up this book after meeting the author at an author's fair at the local library.
It's interesting. The stories are arranged topically instead of chronologically. And there's definitely some crudeness no doubt realistic to the life of a police officer and those he or she deals with. I wasn't actually surprised there wasn't more language.
The insight on a police involved shooting death was especially interesting in today's day and age.
It's interesting. The stories are arranged topically instead of chronologically. And there's definitely some crudeness no doubt realistic to the life of a police officer and those he or she deals with. I wasn't actually surprised there wasn't more language.
The insight on a police involved shooting death was especially interesting in today's day and age.
February 1, 2014
True crime fans, this is the real deal. The inside story. A memoir of an undercover narcotics sergeant, frightening deadly shootout on the street with a drug dealer, busting an Internet escort in a sleazy hotel room, wiretaps, drug deals, hookers and the perversions of their customers, funny and crazy cop stories (and a guide to some of Omaha's "best" places to eat). It was my honor to work with author Mark Langan in editing his remarkable book. Just a caution: don't start the book if you can't stay up all night to finish it.
May 28, 2024
The first anecdote was terrible, and I knew this was going to be a DNF for me. For those who aren't aware, he starts off the book with a story of how he had to shoot a guy and how sad but inevitable it was.
Ok, so they get a CI tip that someone is doing a drug drop at this bar in South O. They set up a sting or whatever around that bar. You'd think they know exactly who they're nabbing and what they're doing because they knew enough to set up a sting right? WRONG! They don't know what the guy looks like, they don't know his real name, they don't know if he'll be alone or accompanied.
So you're like ok, that happens. This is a medium city police force - not everybody's Miami vice. But this is where the fucked-up-ness takes even more of a twist. When things go sideways it turns out not only are they incompetent - they're too slow to box him in and he speeds away -they're just wannabe cowboys. It turns out they knew where the guy's house was all along! How do I know this? Because as soon as the perp gets away from 'em this guy is like "hey bro, we should wait for him at his house because that's probably where he's going!" So, they could've arrested him in a quiet street in his driveway with the drugs this whole time. No need to potentially put the bar patrons and people on the streets in danger when they start the chase in the first place.
It's my least favourite trope in detective novels, when the author withholds information to make the story more exciting. Only this is much worse because this situation lead to someone's death in real life. Was it always going to be a shootout? Who knows, but it did result in one when this guy planned this operation that went screw-y and the deaths' responsibility rests squarely on his shoulders.
Ok, so they get a CI tip that someone is doing a drug drop at this bar in South O. They set up a sting or whatever around that bar. You'd think they know exactly who they're nabbing and what they're doing because they knew enough to set up a sting right? WRONG! They don't know what the guy looks like, they don't know his real name, they don't know if he'll be alone or accompanied.
So you're like ok, that happens. This is a medium city police force - not everybody's Miami vice. But this is where the fucked-up-ness takes even more of a twist. When things go sideways it turns out not only are they incompetent - they're too slow to box him in and he speeds away -they're just wannabe cowboys. It turns out they knew where the guy's house was all along! How do I know this? Because as soon as the perp gets away from 'em this guy is like "hey bro, we should wait for him at his house because that's probably where he's going!" So, they could've arrested him in a quiet street in his driveway with the drugs this whole time. No need to potentially put the bar patrons and people on the streets in danger when they start the chase in the first place.
It's my least favourite trope in detective novels, when the author withholds information to make the story more exciting. Only this is much worse because this situation lead to someone's death in real life. Was it always going to be a shootout? Who knows, but it did result in one when this guy planned this operation that went screw-y and the deaths' responsibility rests squarely on his shoulders.
March 26, 2025
What a compelling read. Mark is a true policeman through and through, and his recollections of memorable moments during his career give insight to life as an officer. He was tough but fair. His stories reflect a life far too bold for most of us. If ever there was a person meant to wear the badge, it surely must be Mark Langan. Some really poignant memories, as well. If you are even a little interested in what it's like to chase drug dealers in the dark of night, you won't want to miss this enlightening memoir.
September 23, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed Mark's book. The stories had me turning page after page, often refusing to put it down even though I had other things to do. The gripping tales of the streets of Omaha offer a different view of the great City I had heard about via news sources but getting it straight from an officer's mouth is second to none. Outstanding book and a must read if you want some insight on what it means to be a true professional and hero. Thanks for the book signing, Mark!
December 3, 2021
It was ok until I saw he was a huge Rush Limbaugh supporter and from there it was more obvious he was a regular asshole, piece of shit cop. I wanted to stop less than halfway through but I have this problem where I can't do that, no matter how bad the book may be. I'm going to try and work on that because there are too many good books to waste my time with this racist hate.
March 21, 2020
Very interesting read! If you enjoy various police officer stories, then you will enjoy this book. The talk about the location, Omaha, Nebraska is very heavy. At times it seemed that he was giving us a “tour” of the city through his lens. Overall, I would give this book a shot!
June 21, 2022
Great book of short stories about police work in Omaha, Nebraska. I found it interesting how they did their job and how much that has changed since the 70’s. Great respect for the people in Blue! Looking forward to reading his second book.
May 5, 2018
I enjoyed the book, largely because I am from Omaha and could picture and/or remember the events and locales discussed. It’s a quick read.
December 30, 2019
Interesting inside information on crime in Omaha and one officer's memories
July 2, 2020
Only for book club....
April 3, 2021
Decent read. Could have left out the review of eating places in Omaha.
July 1, 2014
My book club & I read this book and had the pleasure of the author coming to our book club to talk with us. This is not the usual type of book I would pick out on my own but am very glad I read it. The author paints a very real picture of the perils of drug use but unlike many other books/tv/etc. it's not gritty to the point where it leaves you wondering if the stories were just picked for shock value. It was very tasteful and I loved how the author spends a moment reflecting on his favorite Omaha restaurants that are still in existence and those that have since closed. As a foodie I can appreciate that and also if you know any cops, you know they definitely congregate for meals and have their steady favorite joints. Mark was incredibly fun to talk with and very receptive of all of our questions. I highly recommend this book and hope that Mark continues to write!
February 1, 2017
Mark Langan, an Omaha Police Officer from 1978 to 2004, shares his experiences with readers. He was a beat cop, worked in Burglary and Vice, and ended his career in the Narcotics Undercover unit. The reader gets a view of Omaha that is very different from the Chamber of Commerce brochures and provides a social history of the city from 1978 to 2004. I especially enjoyed his list of Omaha restaurants favored by him and his fellow cops. I'm only sad that 4 of his favorites have since joined his "Rest in Peace" list. Langan is now Vice-President of Field Operations for the Nebraska Humane Society where he pursues justice for abused animals, especially those involved in dog fighting.
May 20, 2020
Read this book in about three days. Well I was kind of on a deadline with finishing this book because my high school counselor new the author personally and had an interview set up for me to meet him so I had to finish his book before I met him. It was such an incredible experience be able to meet the author of this book is exactly like he is in the book in real person. His book I could not put down I enjoy hearing things that happen in law enforcement personal experiences because of my desire and passion to one day be an officer.
September 22, 2014
Mark Langan should be proud of his book, his careers and the hard work he has done for the people of Omaha. Busting Bad Guys is a fun, interesting and very informative read that gives readers a sneak peak into the job and life of an undercover cop. I enjoyed the fact that not only do we know what happens, we also know more about the emotions behind the badge.
The only drawback to the book is the fact that now when I drive around Omaha, I think everyone's a prostitute, pimp or drug dealer. Except for me, I'm the only innocent person who lives here.
The only drawback to the book is the fact that now when I drive around Omaha, I think everyone's a prostitute, pimp or drug dealer. Except for me, I'm the only innocent person who lives here.
December 16, 2014
Mark Langan presents a great look at police work and he does it in a straight forward manner without a great deal of sensationalism. The book offers glimpses of the tough choices and hard, split-second decisions officers ate forced to make. The book was an enjoyable read and gave a lot of information that gave great insight into what goes in to police work. I received the book through the first reads program.
September 21, 2015
The author, Mark Langan, kept my interest throughout the book - an easy read.
The book is about a police officer's career experiences and the various divisions where he worked. He was the youngest police ever to start a career at 18 years old in the Omaha Nebraska Police Department.
Officer Langan provides details of some of his work experiences which are very interesting. I highly recommend this book.
The book is about a police officer's career experiences and the various divisions where he worked. He was the youngest police ever to start a career at 18 years old in the Omaha Nebraska Police Department.
Officer Langan provides details of some of his work experiences which are very interesting. I highly recommend this book.
January 19, 2015
A cops life
This book was a good read. Very interesting, showed the danger cops face each day. My disappointment in the book was Mark making himself the "hero" in everything. This man did nothing wrong, making himself seem as the only one with a brain or guts. It is a book of look how great I am.
Good read, would recommend, if you can overcome the "me" syndrome.
This book was a good read. Very interesting, showed the danger cops face each day. My disappointment in the book was Mark making himself the "hero" in everything. This man did nothing wrong, making himself seem as the only one with a brain or guts. It is a book of look how great I am.
Good read, would recommend, if you can overcome the "me" syndrome.
June 30, 2014
I had to read this in fits & starts but the style worked that way. Interesting stories I enjoyed & they kept my interest as I went back to work. A pretty fair read and a good format for my needs at the time.
February 9, 2015
Intersting read for Omaha natives
Since I live in the Omaha area this book was of particular interest to me. The stories are like out of a movie. I wish they weren't true. And I'm so glad there are people like mark out there doing there best to keep the city safe
Since I live in the Omaha area this book was of particular interest to me. The stories are like out of a movie. I wish they weren't true. And I'm so glad there are people like mark out there doing there best to keep the city safe
April 6, 2016
Not my typical book but glad I took the time to read it. Felt that some of the parts were over-dramatized for Hollywood & TV watchers. I know this is not an easy job and wish Omaha did not have this side but to glorify the bad does not help.
August 19, 2016
A real life story of a real life cop. I could not put this down once I started reading. Hard choices and difficult decisions to be made every day by officers of the law. A very good insight into Omaha police. Thank you Net Galley for my copy.
August 27, 2016
Quick, engaging, read for those who enjoy true crime or have an interest in procedure that goes on behind the scenes in law enforcement.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley so that I could give an unbiased review.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley so that I could give an unbiased review.
May 5, 2014
Love this book so far...only a few chapters in...
October 10, 2016
This was well written and kept me motivated in reading what life is like as a detective.
June 9, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book. It gave me a different view of what a police officer faces each and everyday. Good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews