Out of the Darkness and into the Blue: Surprising Secrets, Tactics, and Training Concepts: A Memoir from one of Kalamazoo's Top Cops

by Robert T. Christensen

For twenty-five years, peace officer Robert T. Christensen patrolled the streets of Kalamazoo, keenly aware every decision he made could have serious, even fatal, consequences. He learned this lesson early in his career, when a belligerent suspect beat the young rookie unconscious.

Throughout his career, Christensen made a habit of reviewing his actions. What tactics had he used? What immediate circumstances prompted his decisions? Could a slight change in strategy have improved the outcome? Viewing every situation as a learning experience molded Christensen into one of Kalamazoo's top cops.

"Out of the Darkness and into the Blue" recounts the most significant encounters in Christensen's career, but is more than the exciting memoirs of a veteran police officer. Christensen follows each chapter with a thorough analysis, discussing tactics and training concepts relevant to his experiences.

Along the way, Christensen tackles many of the most important topics in law enforcement today, from racial profiling and deadly force to the challenges LGBT individuals face in a predominantly heterosexual field.

A fascinating exploration of one police officer's thought processes, "Out of the Darkness and into the Blue" is an entertaining read and valuable resource for anyone learning about-or serving in-the criminal justice system.

286 pages, Paperback

First published May 22, 2014

Reviews

[pmedic102 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Christiansen is a female cop hating, sexist, abusive person and cop. I personally know this author. I was a cadet in 2002 at Kalamazoo Valley Community College Police Academy where he was teaching as a drill sgt. He used to scream every day at the 5 female cadets about how we don't belong in law enforcement. And how Michigan Commission On Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) had to reduced it standards so females could pass the entrance test to the academy. He says women are worthless in law enforcement and should never be allowed to work in it. Christiansen would regularly make derogatory comments about the female cadets bodies, like weight and the size of their breasts, he insulted me bc I have small breasts. After 8+ weeks of abuse, I made a complaint, I was immediately expelled from the program with some BS excuse, later I won a very small lawsuit against the college. Sexism in the police force back then was OK so I lost my lawsuit against MCOLES, and they sided with the officers and so did the Michigan Attorney General without even hearing my case. The Blue Code of Silence is very much real. Christiansen is a horrible person and likes hurting women. Don't be fooled by the smile and personality. His claimed success is greatly inflated and he has a personality like the devil, nice to your face and will stab you in the back any chance he gets. DO NOT support this sexist pig!

[Vince Cooper · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?
People with an interest in police work, rookie cops, or anyone who wants to get a taste of what street life is like for a cop.
Has Out of the Darkness and into the Blue turned you off from other books in this genre?
No, I've read plenty of police books that were valuable.
If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Out of the Darkness and into the Blue?
I don't know that I would have. I believe this book was aiming at a particular audience, it is just a limited audience.

[Noelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book exceeded my expectations! it was a page turner and I recommend it to anyone who is in law enforcement, considering a career as a LEO, or has a loved one who is. It was especially interesting because my husband worked with the author, and could corroborate some of the events/feelings/experiences described.

[Lon Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

This book isn't about being a police officer. It is about The man, PSO Christensen. Thank you for your service to Kalamazoo and our great nation. You can be proud our the work you've done!

[Obe]

I really enjoyed it. It's a great book for people who want to work in the criminology field, especially if you want to be a police officer. It has real-life experiences of how Robert had to deal with some really tough times, and you might have a second thought about being a police officer.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did really like this book but felt that it could have been organized better.

[Sandra]

boring