In Pursuit of the Truth

by Clive Driscoll

Former Detective Chief Inspector Clive Driscoll is most famous for being the man who finally secured convictions for the murder of Stephen Lawrence, a case previously mired by claims of institutional racism and corruption. For Clive, it was the pinnacle of a 35-year career with the world’s most famous police force, the Metropolitan Police Service. Clive’s prodigious rise through the ranks of the Met saw him head up some of the most high-profile units at Scotland Yard and saw him put in charge of their policy for sexual offenses, domestic violence, child protection, and the pedophile unit before heading up the Racial and Violent Crime Task Force tackling their backlist of cold cases. From action-packed moments chasing down criminals to more tender occasions, like gaining the trust of a murder victim’s family, to making crucial legal history, and unearthing huge national scandals, In Pursuit of the Truth is the definitive account of modern day policing, its successes and failings included, seen through the eyes of a man who has dedicated his life to making a difference. This is a book that every part of society can learn from.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Biography

400 pages, Hardcover

First published July 30, 2015

Reviews

[Mudassar Chaudhry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was my first read of 2022. I stumbled across this on a random Twitter thread following the news of inquiries into alleged historical child sexual abuse from senior council members and politicians. So I placed an order and bought this book.

It turns out the author was also the man famous for catching the killers of Stephen Lawrence, almost 20 years after his racially aggravated murder.

On the actual book now: WOW. I can't believe this is non-fiction because it tells an unreal story. From free-masonry to secret Catholic organisations to secret signal handshakes to pedophilia to corruption to institutionalised racism to politics. It literally feels like a series of Line of Duty with the stark realisation: it's the truth.

DCI Driscoll lays out everything he witnessed, and though there's a fair bit of not telling the full truth (due to imaginable legal reasons), any sensible person can read between the lines.

I'm ever so glad I read this, not only because it reinstated a lot of perceived judgements you have of the police and government, but also shows you the fact that genuine, honest and truthful people work within these institutions to make changes which inevitably make life much, much harder for them.

This is a heavy, emotional and powerful read. One that shakes your core, but one you'll be glad you've read. It may shake your trust in modern policing but will reinstate your belief in the goodness of everyday humans. I'd definitely recommend (with TWs) to those interested/working in law, politics, policing and community.

Rating (out of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Pages: 385
Favourite quote: "Did it hurt to watch those suspects carry on with their lives? Not as much as knowing the suspects were quite possibly continuing their predatory practices in the knowledge they had seemingly full protection from the law and the Met - if some of the stories I heard were true."
Genre: #nonfiction #crime #truecrime #mystery #biography #london #police #law

[Kit Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly readable account of one of the defining cases of British policing, but it's more than that. Driscoll is honest throughout the book and his experiences during his career are valuable insights into the way the system does (and doesn't) work.

[Mark Sohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the finest Police books I have ever had the pleasure to read. To be kind to him, Clive Driscoll has the sort of face that made him becoming a Copper almost inevitable, but he is one of those rare people who has the tenacity of a bloodhound. This book is incredible; taking the reader from his early life through a brief career as an Ambulance Driver to his joining the Metropolitan Police where he rose through the ranks by sheer determination and effort. When I tell you I spent two years writing my first book and that was, to me, a challenge of almost insurmountable proportions and then that this man spent six years (on both taking apart the original) and then conducting his own investigation into the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence - with dyslexia, constant interference from a reluctant Met and all the challenges that raking up one of the most painful episodes in recent British history incurred, you have only a slight idea of the enormity of the problems DCI Driscoll took on. And overcame. He was called 'The Cockney Columbo' by disdainful colleagues, but this remarkable man is indeed a real-life Columbo and Sherlock Holmes rolled into one. A must-read for all crime lovers and anyone interested in Justice.

[Tony Styles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Policing looking through Clive Driscoll’s looking glass…

Being a former serving officer whose service was cut short by forced retirement, Clive Driscoll’s police ‘biography’ is a worts and all look at the police service that before the Stephen Lawrence enquiry, was the envy of the world. Clive puts this outdated and misguided view into a such a shattering perspective that he ruffled feathers constantly throughout his service. The police service, and in particular the Met’s upstanding reputation was, and is a myth. If you needed any proof of the Met’s unwillingness to change then you have it in the forced retirement of this author at the time of his greatest achievement. As Clive so eloquently points out that middle management and above officers in the police service are more keen to serve themselves than the public they swore to protect. I and thousands of others were forcibly retired because it became more important in the police hierarchy and the Home Office to save money and not lives. Clive’s book in no small measure goes someway to restoring the faith where diversity is concerned but there is still someway to go. There is always room for improvement. I wholeheartedly recommend this read for those who need their faith restoring because mine definitely did.

[Neil Fulwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asif Kapadia’s three-part documentary on the murder of Stephen Lawerence, which screened on BBC1 last month, included some unforgettable interview footage with DCI Clive Driscoll, the man who finally secured convictions after the Met had fucked up the original investigation and spent the following 15 years hampering the family’s battle for justice instead of supporting them. Driscoll’s book covers his entire career in the police force - from the horrors of the Brixton riots in the early 80s to being booted off the Lambeth Council sexual abuse case after getting too close to government ministers - with the last hundred or so pages given over to the Lawrence case. Driscoll’s conversational style and wry sense of humour alleviate some of the grimmer aspects of the book, and his personal integrity shines through. I’ve often taken the “ACAB” line in regards to the Old Bill. I’ll happily exempt Clive Driscoll from that catch-all henceforth.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Driscoll impressed me in the recent BBC 3 part Stephen Lawrence programme. His book confirms the notion I got there that he is a great police officer, in a way the ideal officer. The book is a very entertaining and informative read in terms of life in the police, how investigations work, what methods bear fruits, and how the powers that be often stand in the way of justice being done. There are the details of the Lawrence case, but also his work for a sex crimes unit which uncovered some very dark things happening and possibly by people with power, an investigation which Driscoll says was hindered and finally stopped. A lovely read which does very well at capturing Driscoll's authentic voice, as per his nickname "The Cockney Columbo". His memoirs deserve a TV drama series adaptation of their own.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book after seeing Clive Driscoll on the Stephen Lawrence documentary and was impressed by the integrity and honesty he showed. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and I think his honesty and integrity shone through again. It really is a warts and all look at his life in the Met and, reminds me of why so many people I knew and grew up with distrusted the police force, whilst acknowledging there were some outstanding police officers within it. It is a shame there aren’t more like Clive Driscoll and less of those who either do what is necessary to protect their careers, or worse still shut down investigations which may hurt those in positions of power. A stark reminder that the law is not the same for us all.

[Mr Martyn R Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly eye opening account of modern policing

I am no real fan of the police but this book helps explain. Why I am not. I firmly believe we must learn from the successes of the past and go back to beat police walking the streets to reconnect with our diverse society. A belief that is further strengthened by what Clive has to say in this book. A great account of a how to succeed in a difficult job

[Diane Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an incredible and brutally honest insight into the Met and police corruption. We are confronted with shocking revelations, horrendous subject matter, devious characters and despicable cover-ups, yet the author himself remains so endearing through this recount, so steadfast in his values and so unshaken in his belief in the power of community, that you can’t help but come away with some hope and optimism for the future of our criminal justice systems.

[david dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, funny, upsetting, infuriating and brilliant

I have never written a book review before however to turn the last page and not let others know what an amazing, honest, funny and determined man Clive Driscoll is. This man is my hero against everything his determination for justice and the truth is unmatched. Could not put this book down. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely riveting read. Driscoll is thought-provoking, human, compassionate and pulls no punches. The flags he raises about the mixed motovations that seem to influence how the Met is governed are deeply concerning. I hope this book continues to shine light in to dark corners and encourage big institutions to reflect on the ways they conduct themselves and who they serve and protect.

[Hilary Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice

An excellent book easy to read but sadly showing up the Met for all the corruption that there was within it at the time of Stephens death. Huge congratulations to the team who finally brought about justice for the Lawrence family.

[M Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant rwad

I heard about this book when the author was on radio 2 being interviewed. He came across as a thoroughly decent person and I thought I had to read this.I was not disappointed.

[Martin Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb account of an incredible career. Clive Driscoll was an outstanding copper from day one and this covers his career from aspiring Dixon of Dock Green to the man who finally convicted two of Stephen Lawrence's murderers (and would have nabbed the others if he'd had more time, I'm sure).

[Philip Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only all police officers were like him. His diligence leaves no stone unturned.

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into policing and The Metropolitan Police. Must read.

[Zoe Winchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true gentlemen

A truly amazing person who went above and beyond. I did not want his book to end or his career!

[Nik · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty much a love letter to policing and himself. overall enjoyable and insightful.

[Phil McGregor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too slow, not exciting enough. Sorry, Clive.

[Steve Angelkov · Rating 4 out of 5]

A remarkable memoir providing an insightful view of life in the met.

Driscoll clearly made of the strong stuff, taking up challenge after challenge throughout a career that ultimately led to the reinvestigation of the Stephen Lawrence murder.

Excellent reading.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good, Frank novel by DCI Driscoll. Covers his career through the early troubles in london such as the brixton riots to the issues surrounding the Stephen Lawrence case. Insightful and honest.

[cathryn eason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

A compelling read chartering the life of rooky pc rising up through the ranks. The final case shows his skills and commitment to bring perps to justice