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Called to Rise
The Dallas police chief who inspired a nation with his response to the killing of five of his officers shares his personal story and his faith in America’s potential to unite communities through a dedication to transparency and trust.
On July 7, 2016, protesters marched in the streets of Dallas to demonstrate against the killings of unarmed black men by the police. As the peaceful event drew to a close, a sniper opened fire, targeting white cops and killing five of them. Into this charged situation stepped Dallas police chief David O. Brown, who, with a historic new tactical approach, quickly ended the gunman’s siege and calmed his community and the nation.
In this powerful memoir, Chief Brown takes us behind the scenes of that tragedy and shares intimate moments from his early his childhood, in which he was raised by a single mom in a neighborhood poor in resources but rich in love and faith; his college years—cut short when he felt called to save his hometown from its descent into drug-related violence; and, as he moved up the ranks, a series of deeply personal tragedies. His first partner on the job was killed in the line of duty; his younger brother was murdered by drug dealers; and during Brown’s first month as chief of police, his mentally ill son was killed by a cop after taking two other lives.
Called to Rise charts how, over his thirty-three-year career, Brown evolved from a “throw ’em in jail and let God sort ’em out” beat cop into a passionate advocate for community-oriented law enforcement, rising from crime scene investigator to S.W.A.T. team leader to the head of a municipal police department widely regarded as one of America’s finest. Now retired, “America’s chief” wants to bring his hard-earned knowledge of Dallas—emphasizing outreach, accountability, and inclusion—to help encourage unity in the nation’s hurting communities.
Chief Brown believes that we have to band together to engage in the kind of dialogue that can lead to solutions. In place of complaining, we all have to take action—and one first great step is to tune in to what is being said. Called to Rise explores the keys to that dialogue—trust, transparency, and compassion—that have made Brown a leader on the front lines of social change in America.
On July 7, 2016, protesters marched in the streets of Dallas to demonstrate against the killings of unarmed black men by the police. As the peaceful event drew to a close, a sniper opened fire, targeting white cops and killing five of them. Into this charged situation stepped Dallas police chief David O. Brown, who, with a historic new tactical approach, quickly ended the gunman’s siege and calmed his community and the nation.
In this powerful memoir, Chief Brown takes us behind the scenes of that tragedy and shares intimate moments from his early his childhood, in which he was raised by a single mom in a neighborhood poor in resources but rich in love and faith; his college years—cut short when he felt called to save his hometown from its descent into drug-related violence; and, as he moved up the ranks, a series of deeply personal tragedies. His first partner on the job was killed in the line of duty; his younger brother was murdered by drug dealers; and during Brown’s first month as chief of police, his mentally ill son was killed by a cop after taking two other lives.
Called to Rise charts how, over his thirty-three-year career, Brown evolved from a “throw ’em in jail and let God sort ’em out” beat cop into a passionate advocate for community-oriented law enforcement, rising from crime scene investigator to S.W.A.T. team leader to the head of a municipal police department widely regarded as one of America’s finest. Now retired, “America’s chief” wants to bring his hard-earned knowledge of Dallas—emphasizing outreach, accountability, and inclusion—to help encourage unity in the nation’s hurting communities.
Chief Brown believes that we have to band together to engage in the kind of dialogue that can lead to solutions. In place of complaining, we all have to take action—and one first great step is to tune in to what is being said. Called to Rise explores the keys to that dialogue—trust, transparency, and compassion—that have made Brown a leader on the front lines of social change in America.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
39 people are currently reading
750 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 3, 2017
I lived for 16 years in Dallas and regularly protested police brutality and corruption of the DPD during the 1980's and early 90's, which was during David O. Brown's rise in the department but before he became chief. I must admit I was horrified by his no holds barred, take all prisoners approach he described early in his career. Thankfully, he later became a fan of community policing and saw that policing goals should be about bringing the crime rate down and gaining the trust of the community and NOT about arresting and shooting more people.
Police brutality, racism, and implicit bias are all serious problems in any police department. But cops need to learn that tolerating illegal and reprehensible behavior diminishes the reputation of all officers. Citizens will see those corrupt officers as representational of the department. That is why those who do not play by the rules should be promptly dismissed. Brown's words.
But what Brown does not address is the discipline matrix that allows an unlimited number of appeals, which enables a fired officer to not only retain his job but even get promoted. That is a sad reality. Even in Denver where I live now (and still protest police brutality) some of the most violent officers appealed their termination, retained their jobs and even got promoted. Yes there are sergeants in the department who have a long record of police brutality. Unacceptable. So while community policing is a step in the right direction, we will not reduce police brutality, racial injustice and mass incarceration until the entire institution is totally transformed.
Police brutality, racism, and implicit bias are all serious problems in any police department. But cops need to learn that tolerating illegal and reprehensible behavior diminishes the reputation of all officers. Citizens will see those corrupt officers as representational of the department. That is why those who do not play by the rules should be promptly dismissed. Brown's words.
But what Brown does not address is the discipline matrix that allows an unlimited number of appeals, which enables a fired officer to not only retain his job but even get promoted. That is a sad reality. Even in Denver where I live now (and still protest police brutality) some of the most violent officers appealed their termination, retained their jobs and even got promoted. Yes there are sergeants in the department who have a long record of police brutality. Unacceptable. So while community policing is a step in the right direction, we will not reduce police brutality, racial injustice and mass incarceration until the entire institution is totally transformed.
September 7, 2017
There is something different about reading the backstory of a man who has led the city you've resided in and watched him lead this city through the devastating police shooting that I watched while glued to the TV screen. I respected him as a man and chief before, but this book, his story, his life compounded my respect and multiplied my gratitude that he was the man behind the scenes for all these years, changing the horizon of this grand city of Dallas.
October 5, 2017
A fantastic memoir written by a fascinating man. Most of the world was introduced to David Brown after the police shooting in Dallas. But that's just one small part in an amazing story. I highly recommend for fans of memoirs, Dallas residents, and those who find inspiration in empowering stories.
August 21, 2021
Listened to this book via Audiobook from my Library App.
Let me start by saying this man, David Brown (former Dallas Police Chief and present Chicago Police Chief) is probably my favorite public servant (right there with the Florida sheriff, Grady Judd, that gives such great press conferences against criminals).
Chief Brown actually did the reading of his own book. while I love hearing the author do the books, and especially autobiographies., Chief Browns narration style was very clipped and sometimes difficult to follow.
The book was a fantastic recounting of the career of a local Dallas kid growing up in a single parent home and rose in discipline and faith to succeed in sports, school, and community. Going to University of Texas (hissssss, I'm an Aggie). He rose through the ranks of the Dallas police department, losing his brother to drugs, having his mentally ill son, kill a police officer and citizen from a neighboring community, to dealing with the police massacre (5 officers) in 2017. His Community Policing efforts reduced crime stats in the years he was in charge. He led with character, fairness, and faith. We miss him in Dallas.
He's got a very difficult job in Chicago and we should be praying for his calm faithful navigation through that politically and racially charged environment.
Let me start by saying this man, David Brown (former Dallas Police Chief and present Chicago Police Chief) is probably my favorite public servant (right there with the Florida sheriff, Grady Judd, that gives such great press conferences against criminals).
Chief Brown actually did the reading of his own book. while I love hearing the author do the books, and especially autobiographies., Chief Browns narration style was very clipped and sometimes difficult to follow.
The book was a fantastic recounting of the career of a local Dallas kid growing up in a single parent home and rose in discipline and faith to succeed in sports, school, and community. Going to University of Texas (hissssss, I'm an Aggie). He rose through the ranks of the Dallas police department, losing his brother to drugs, having his mentally ill son, kill a police officer and citizen from a neighboring community, to dealing with the police massacre (5 officers) in 2017. His Community Policing efforts reduced crime stats in the years he was in charge. He led with character, fairness, and faith. We miss him in Dallas.
He's got a very difficult job in Chicago and we should be praying for his calm faithful navigation through that politically and racially charged environment.
June 18, 2017
This autobiography of a retired Dallas police chief was interesting from page 1. I've never read a book by a cop before, and never been particularly interested in the police, but David O. Brown caught my attention during his interview on NPR, talking about his experience with race and racism. I'm glad I followed up on that interest and checked out the book, because it was a page turner (I read the whole thing in 1 day).
The co-author, Michelle Burford, cleverly chose to keep switching back and forth in time throughout David O. Brown's life, starting with his arrival home from his first year at college, and his subsequent amazement and dismay at the awful changes his neighborhood had gone through while he was away, with the arrival of crack-cocaine.
The story swings back to his older relatives, forward to exciting experiences as a rookie cop on the front line of the War on Drugs, back to his childhood and college, forward through experiences in various departments within the police service, and through personal loss. The switching-back-and-forth timeline kept the pace interesting, and gave just enough hint about what was coming that kept me reading because I wanted to know what happened to his brother, to his son, to his marriage, to his city, etc.
I enjoyed seeing the world through his eyes; his life and mine have been polar opposites, and for the handful of hours that I read his book, I was immersed in a family different from my own, in a neighborhood and a school different from my own, witnessing devastation and in a way, starting to understand what that must be like to have experienced those things. I learned a lot about policing strategies throughout the decades, and why things are the way they are now.
I also found David O. Brown's perspective on life, on hard work and the drive to do something useful to be refreshing and inspirational. Ambitious people doing good things are always exciting to read about. If you're looking for an interesting, quick read, I'd definitely recommend this book.
The co-author, Michelle Burford, cleverly chose to keep switching back and forth in time throughout David O. Brown's life, starting with his arrival home from his first year at college, and his subsequent amazement and dismay at the awful changes his neighborhood had gone through while he was away, with the arrival of crack-cocaine.
The story swings back to his older relatives, forward to exciting experiences as a rookie cop on the front line of the War on Drugs, back to his childhood and college, forward through experiences in various departments within the police service, and through personal loss. The switching-back-and-forth timeline kept the pace interesting, and gave just enough hint about what was coming that kept me reading because I wanted to know what happened to his brother, to his son, to his marriage, to his city, etc.
I enjoyed seeing the world through his eyes; his life and mine have been polar opposites, and for the handful of hours that I read his book, I was immersed in a family different from my own, in a neighborhood and a school different from my own, witnessing devastation and in a way, starting to understand what that must be like to have experienced those things. I learned a lot about policing strategies throughout the decades, and why things are the way they are now.
I also found David O. Brown's perspective on life, on hard work and the drive to do something useful to be refreshing and inspirational. Ambitious people doing good things are always exciting to read about. If you're looking for an interesting, quick read, I'd definitely recommend this book.
May 20, 2022
David O. Brown talks about his experience in becoming a police officer throughout the book “Called to Rise”. He starts off speaking on how he did not intend to be a cop after seeing the state of the crack epidemic he felt inclined to do something. “I had this nagging sense of a task undone, a goal not met,” (5) said David. He went to a police academy and at the end miraculously he was assigned to Oak Cliffs, his hometown in Texas where crack was destroying the community.
Going back in the story, David then speaks on his time in highschool. When he “aimed to be productive with [his] life” as urged by his mother (59). He went on to try to pursue law in a highschool program and switched later to accounting for college. “As [David] sunk into [his] studies [he] began dating the woman [he’d] marry in 1982” (66) Soon after he spots the catalyst for his police endeavor, “I was stunned and horrified. A drug I’d never heard of had made Oak Cliff totally unrecognizable to me. Evidence of crack was everywhere… Oak Cliff was completely ravaged. I stayed indoors most of that summer. That’s how utterly depressed and frightened I felt…. A wave of helplessness and anger swept over me. I had never felt so shaken,” David says. (68) And a year or less after, David was in Oak Cliffs as a police officer, making successful attempts at huge change.
I like that the book isn’t organized in an ordinary chronological way as many other books are; it gets you straight into the interesting parts and then backpedals to fill you in on information that you need to know. ‘Called to Rise’ developed a theme that following your passion leads to blessings. David felt a positive urge, acted on it and reaped an abundance of amazing things. He also pushes the message that there are hardships in everything you do but you need to push past them in order to really succeed.
Going back in the story, David then speaks on his time in highschool. When he “aimed to be productive with [his] life” as urged by his mother (59). He went on to try to pursue law in a highschool program and switched later to accounting for college. “As [David] sunk into [his] studies [he] began dating the woman [he’d] marry in 1982” (66) Soon after he spots the catalyst for his police endeavor, “I was stunned and horrified. A drug I’d never heard of had made Oak Cliff totally unrecognizable to me. Evidence of crack was everywhere… Oak Cliff was completely ravaged. I stayed indoors most of that summer. That’s how utterly depressed and frightened I felt…. A wave of helplessness and anger swept over me. I had never felt so shaken,” David says. (68) And a year or less after, David was in Oak Cliffs as a police officer, making successful attempts at huge change.
I like that the book isn’t organized in an ordinary chronological way as many other books are; it gets you straight into the interesting parts and then backpedals to fill you in on information that you need to know. ‘Called to Rise’ developed a theme that following your passion leads to blessings. David felt a positive urge, acted on it and reaped an abundance of amazing things. He also pushes the message that there are hardships in everything you do but you need to push past them in order to really succeed.
July 31, 2020
Brown's memoir is an encouraging read during these tumultuous times. He is a voice of experience, reason, and hope.
He shares his experience of becoming a police officer, and explains how he responded to many highly dangerous situations that he had to encounter during his career. He reflects on early influences that molded his character and habits. Mentors and policies taught him how to lead and survive ethically. Sometimes he changed his opinions and tactics over time after seeing the results of policies years later.
He did not hide his challenges with bravado. He explained how the hardships created new insight or forced changes that he had not seen previously.
"It is a fact now acknowledged by many that imprisoning hundreds of thousands of drug offenders and other criminals during the mass incarceration of the 1980s and '90s was not an overall winning strategy for reducing crime--and many of those I imprisoned struggled with mental illness (more than 40 percent of federal prisoners are mentally ill)." (page 199)
"I'm aware that I have enormous blind spots . . . From my place at the intersection of three communities-- as an inner-city kid; as a black man, husband, and father; and as an officer who as risked my life alongside scores of honorable cops of all races and ethnicities--I am clear about one thing. We will make progress only when we set aside our assumptions and really start listening to each other--now more than ever." (page 202)
He shows that regular people can accomplish tremendous help when they work from love as the center of their being, and knowing that all difficulties need responsible action. His life has saved many lives, and he is the example we need right now.
He shares his experience of becoming a police officer, and explains how he responded to many highly dangerous situations that he had to encounter during his career. He reflects on early influences that molded his character and habits. Mentors and policies taught him how to lead and survive ethically. Sometimes he changed his opinions and tactics over time after seeing the results of policies years later.
He did not hide his challenges with bravado. He explained how the hardships created new insight or forced changes that he had not seen previously.
"It is a fact now acknowledged by many that imprisoning hundreds of thousands of drug offenders and other criminals during the mass incarceration of the 1980s and '90s was not an overall winning strategy for reducing crime--and many of those I imprisoned struggled with mental illness (more than 40 percent of federal prisoners are mentally ill)." (page 199)
"I'm aware that I have enormous blind spots . . . From my place at the intersection of three communities-- as an inner-city kid; as a black man, husband, and father; and as an officer who as risked my life alongside scores of honorable cops of all races and ethnicities--I am clear about one thing. We will make progress only when we set aside our assumptions and really start listening to each other--now more than ever." (page 202)
He shows that regular people can accomplish tremendous help when they work from love as the center of their being, and knowing that all difficulties need responsible action. His life has saved many lives, and he is the example we need right now.
June 5, 2021
The message of this former Dallas top cop is more prescient today than when he originally wrote it. The idea that, if we strip away the frivolous and the unnecessary, you and I are more alike and have more in common than we are different is a crucial conviction if the nation survives unbroken.
This is a moving account of a man of faith who is a close associate of adversity and still believes without hesitance in a creator who loves and has the best interest of His creations at heart. This is a story of faith in a world where disbelief is chic. It's the story of a boy who made good choices when others around him, including family members, did not. It's the inspiring account of a black kid from the seedy side of the tracks who overcame the negatives that could have pulled him into the quagmire of life where he grew up. He served for a third of a century as a policeman in Dallas, and he understood all too well the scars that loss can bring. His best friend, his brother, and his son all suffered death under three different circumstances, and Brown struggled through the darkness and wilderness of temporarily questioning his faith and finding it again.
He describes his evolution from a kind of lock-'em-all-up style that he favored as a young cop to a more one-on-one involvement in the lives of those whom he served.
This is an inspiring relatively short read, and the author narraes the audio edition. It's not a great narration, but it's an authentic one, and authenticity counts more in this case. I wouldn't have wanted it narrated by anyone else. No one else would have brought the authenticity to it the author did.
This is a moving account of a man of faith who is a close associate of adversity and still believes without hesitance in a creator who loves and has the best interest of His creations at heart. This is a story of faith in a world where disbelief is chic. It's the story of a boy who made good choices when others around him, including family members, did not. It's the inspiring account of a black kid from the seedy side of the tracks who overcame the negatives that could have pulled him into the quagmire of life where he grew up. He served for a third of a century as a policeman in Dallas, and he understood all too well the scars that loss can bring. His best friend, his brother, and his son all suffered death under three different circumstances, and Brown struggled through the darkness and wilderness of temporarily questioning his faith and finding it again.
He describes his evolution from a kind of lock-'em-all-up style that he favored as a young cop to a more one-on-one involvement in the lives of those whom he served.
This is an inspiring relatively short read, and the author narraes the audio edition. It's not a great narration, but it's an authentic one, and authenticity counts more in this case. I wouldn't have wanted it narrated by anyone else. No one else would have brought the authenticity to it the author did.
August 4, 2017
Started strong, really delved into his personal makeup. Much to admire in his upbringing, parentage, and personal motivations and decision-making. Very thorough, informative, inspirational, made me desire to meet the man, wonder what it was like working with/for him; hopeful he lived up to his self-description (which was not braggadocio or dubious). He was humble, good- hearted and intentioned, common-sensical, and honorable. Last 1/4th of the book felt off, more reserved, even slightly defensive, like he held us away and told only the surface story. I can find this understandable - he'd had a lifetime to get comfortable with the first 3/4ths, and the last bit was recent history, much of it public, and I'm sure much of its participants are still in play. What it meant, though, is that it did not end as strongly as it began, not as upbeat. That's a reflection on me as well as him and the times, but still a downer and why I drop this to 3 stars instead of 4. I wish him the best of success and satisfaction in his pursuits to further contribute to society, and I'd even enjoy a sit-down conversation sometime, but I no longer am curious about working for him.
October 5, 2017
That I was listening to the autobiography of former Dallas police chief David Brown while I processed the news of the Las Vegas massacre gave me an opportunity to view these horrific, frequent "unimaginable tragedies" through a new filter. Chief Brown's life story gives insight into Dallas history and social conditions since 1960 as well as impressive stories from his varied law enforcement responsibilities. I have new respect for the police, fire and rescue, 911 call employees and dispatchers working on the other side of the Town Hall from the public library where I work (not Dallas). Chief Brown's opinions on gun violence and community policing will provide discussion fodder for any book club. His description of the July 7, 2016 police shooting, standoff, and resolution was gut-wrenching. This was eye-opening and inspiring, and would be of interest to and audience far beyond Dallas. The author's narration added to the authenticity.
December 22, 2017
With all of the stories in the news about cops mistreating and indiscriminately killing our Black youth, men, women etc. it was somewhat enlightening to read a book written by an African American Chief of Police who worked in a large urban metropolis. As he worked his way up the ranks to Chief, he describes many of the challenges of the job through personal anecdotes...some of which were really heart breaking. His views on policing changed frequently throughout his career.... he attributes much of the success that was made during his tenure to community policing. He seemed to be a very values driven person who didn't let circumstances sway him away from his moral compass. When his faith was truly tested he hung on to the belief that hope carries one through the toughest of times. Was nice to read about what policing really entails from an insider who truly cares about his community.
May 6, 2022
"Called to Rise" by David O. Brown
Reviewed on 6 May 2022
Wow! I was surprised to have this book as much as I did because I normally don't connect to books with an army, military, or police theme. Brown mentions about his climb up the latter in the police force. His soft side resonated with me, especially when his son passed away. Brown mentions how hard he works and how many hours he puts into the Dallas Police Department, subsequently breaking up his marriage. He does finally meet and fall in love with a more understanding and accommodating woman and ends up marrying her, I think to his surprise. He discusses his struggles with his work, the death of his five coworkers, the effects of drugs and racism on the community. This man's commitment to his career and his community was unquestionable. He has had so many set backs, yet he seems to remain a positive person. He retires from the police department with high regards and achievements. I would highly recommend this book.
Reviewed on 6 May 2022
Wow! I was surprised to have this book as much as I did because I normally don't connect to books with an army, military, or police theme. Brown mentions about his climb up the latter in the police force. His soft side resonated with me, especially when his son passed away. Brown mentions how hard he works and how many hours he puts into the Dallas Police Department, subsequently breaking up his marriage. He does finally meet and fall in love with a more understanding and accommodating woman and ends up marrying her, I think to his surprise. He discusses his struggles with his work, the death of his five coworkers, the effects of drugs and racism on the community. This man's commitment to his career and his community was unquestionable. He has had so many set backs, yet he seems to remain a positive person. He retires from the police department with high regards and achievements. I would highly recommend this book.
June 26, 2017
This book is a quick and compelling read. While the language is not poetic or complex, the message is both, and is well told by Mr. (Chief) Brown and his co-author. Mr. Brown is a man who has encountered many challenges in his life, including those that are contemporary and shared by many Americans. His details about the business of policing left me with greater understanding and respect for those who serve and protect us. How he and his family meet the challenges of poverty, racism, drugs and crime is compelling and comforting. They are people of Faith, and the book confirms that there are many good people in the world, trying to improve life for themselves and their greater community. The book is a modern tale of living a life that is at once moral, ethical and troubled.
April 10, 2019
I listened to the audio book and it is outstanding. I highly recommend this book. David O. Brown is a humble, spiritual, down to earth person and that comes across abundantly throughout this book.
I knew who Brown was before reading this book and only because of the shooting of the black person by a white cop before it happened in Ferguson, MO and I figured I would give it a try.
Brown has a positive outlook on life and has been successful in improving his socioeconomic position through education, faith, and good old-fashioned working smart and working hard as well as relating well with others.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Brown tell his story which is filled with hardships, triumph, and tragedy and yet he perseveres through it all.
I highly recommend this book.
I knew who Brown was before reading this book and only because of the shooting of the black person by a white cop before it happened in Ferguson, MO and I figured I would give it a try.
Brown has a positive outlook on life and has been successful in improving his socioeconomic position through education, faith, and good old-fashioned working smart and working hard as well as relating well with others.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Brown tell his story which is filled with hardships, triumph, and tragedy and yet he perseveres through it all.
I highly recommend this book.
November 27, 2017
I liked reading his perspective about his time on the police force. I didn't realize until I read this book, how diverse his background was. Community Policing. Managed a 9-1-1 call center. SWAT. And reading about his son was truly heartbreaking.
But I did find that format was a little difficult for me to get into at first. It jumped around a lot in the beginning, from his childhood to his time to the police, and then back to his childhood again. I think there was only one time where I saw the contrast that format was trying to create. I devoured the last half of the book, which was far more linear.
But I did find that format was a little difficult for me to get into at first. It jumped around a lot in the beginning, from his childhood to his time to the police, and then back to his childhood again. I think there was only one time where I saw the contrast that format was trying to create. I devoured the last half of the book, which was far more linear.
January 15, 2018
Book group reading, memoir of the former police chief of Dallas, who was chief during the horrible incident in 2016 when a lone gunman starting shooting and killing cops during a Black Lives matter protest. But, this incident is just one part of David Brown's story and you learn about his life, his challenges and his views before you read about this seminal moment in his life. David Brown's story is both important and representative of many middle class blacks in this country. He co-wrote the book with a professional writer so some of the language and writing is a little simplistic. But, his story is worth reading.
June 25, 2017
Everyone should read this book, especially anyone who is a law enforcement officer. This man is the epitome of what an officer should be. Far too many officers nowadays seem to have forgotten what their job is all about. As David O. Brown said on The View, "Officers think they are in the business of enforcement. We aren't. We are in the business of people." This book has given me hope that their are still good officers out there somewhere even if I can't find any in my neighborhood or my state. David O. Brown is a man to be looked up to by anyone. He is a real class act.
July 22, 2017
Enjoyed the book very much. I especially enjoyed learning what shaped Chief Brown's 1) desire to go into law enforcement and 2) his faith. And on page 38, how he had such forward thinking at such a young age, the foresight not to get into drugs so that he could get out of poverty. The lesson that some decisions can have a lasting impact was powerful. I think few people have that singular focus and drive so early in life. Chief Brown seemed to recognize that and pursue it whole heartedly. A great lesson for young adults.
January 19, 2018
Just finished reading the biography of former Dallas Police Chief David Brown. I did not know much about the man, other than his choice to use C-4 explosive delivered by a robot to killer, Micah Xavier Johnson, who was heavily armed and secured behind a brick corner with no safe way for police to rush Johnson or reach him with a sniper. In 2016, Johnson had shot and killed five police officers and injured nine others and two civilians.
The book is mediocre at best with a so-so story.
I respect the man and his position, but definitely not the writer of his story.
The book is mediocre at best with a so-so story.
I respect the man and his position, but definitely not the writer of his story.
July 2, 2021
I gave this book a three only because the writing was simple. It was not bad, but it was not super either. David Brown's life story is an inspiring one. He shows how the guidance from positive mentors taught him how to push forward and not give up on himself. He believed he had a calling and he followed it through the ranks of the Dallas police department until reaching the top and beyond. In a time when there is so much division, this is a testimony to what a truly caring police officer can do for a community.
July 14, 2021
Very compelling read. The author explained how he got into policing, and the nuances of law enforcement which I, as someone who doesn't work in law enforcement, wouldn't have thought about. He talked about his childhood, which while his family wasn't wealthy, there was a lot of love and support.
A lot of great stories-not just platitudes about racial relations. I found the book for $1.00-a book that could have/should have been a best seller.
A lot of great stories-not just platitudes about racial relations. I found the book for $1.00-a book that could have/should have been a best seller.
November 26, 2021
I actually bought this book for a $1 at my local Dollar Tree. I thought it was a decent biography. There are some parts in the book that I wish there had been more information/detail in it and more about after his time as the chief. However, I was excited to read a biography from someone who has such a diverse background. I feel like this biography may also be an encouragement to anyone needing some motivation! I liked reading about community policing and wish more departments practiced this!
December 19, 2021
This is the best book I think I’ve ever read. As a criminal justice student and future law enforcement officer, I feel a deep connection to this story. His whole career is remarkable and he shared so many valuable insights into the career of a police officer. He stood up for what he believed in and valued his faith through it all and this story is so honorable. I recommend this book to anyone because it is truly so eye opening.
August 23, 2018
Heard an audiobook read by the author so his words came alive in his deep Southern accent. His personal and professional paths intersect in motivating, poignant and often tragic ways.
Helped me understand SWAT and 911 tactics in a new light.
Could use some more editing but the author bates his soul and his goals in an uplifting way.
To all officers, please, stay safe!
Helped me understand SWAT and 911 tactics in a new light.
Could use some more editing but the author bates his soul and his goals in an uplifting way.
To all officers, please, stay safe!
June 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Much respect and admiration for this man who was able to overcome tragic things in his private life to overcome and rise up to lead as Chief of the Dallas Police Dept. and the City of Dallas during some of our darkest days... Highly recommend!
July 29, 2017
Feeling gratitude for David Brown, that he has shared his life with the world with such skill and frankness. this has given me a widened perspective from inside the policing world. a fascinating read about a great leader.
October 25, 2017
Brilliant book -- the chapters on community policing were especially fascinating. Can't figure out how the city of Dallas could find a man like this to be police chief and we can't get anyone with even half his guts, humanity, and integrity to be President of the United States!
January 2, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook. I had heard David Brown on radio interviews and appraised him as an articulate intellectual and passionate for his "calling" to law enforcement. Even though he calls himself now retired, I think we shall hear more from him.
May 23, 2020
Very insightful look into one of the best known law enforcement leaders in the country. Through personal hardship, David Brown ascends to the top job in one of the nation’s largest cities. Valuable lessons learned along the way especially in the area of community policing was most impactful to me.
June 23, 2017
Police work, personalities, how and why they think like they think. Shared the good and the bad Very realistic. It's a calling!!. Also explores losing a child and his strong faith.
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