The Unexpected Cop: Indian Ernie on a Life of Leadership

by Ernie Louttit

The autobiography of an indigenous Saskatoon police officer

The cop who blew the whistle on Saskatoon's notorious "Starlight Tours," Ernie Louttit is the bestselling author of two previous "Indian Ernie" books. He demonstrates in this latest title that being a leader means sticking to your convictions and sometimes standing up to the powers that be. One of the first Indigenous officers hired by the Saskatoon Police, he was an outsider who became an insider, with a difference. A former military man with a passion for the law, he was tough on the beat, but was also a role model for kids on the streets.

Genres: Canada

212 pages, Paperback

Published January 26, 2019

Reviews

[Toby Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of my favourite books have been ones that taught me something. This book did just that, opening my eyes on a variety of topics. While it touches on so much ground, the heart of this book is about policing, leadership, and race issues.

Even though Indian Ernie and I come from opposite backgrounds, I felt a strong kinship with the humble, gracious man. He said people inspire him every day to be a better person, something I aim for, too. His belief that optimism is powerful echoes my opinion. No matter the details of your past, you will find Indian Ernie a relatable guy, struggling with many of the same issues that the rest of us face.

As a woman, it was fascinating to read about Indian Ernie’s experiences with feminism. Despite the constant discussions around women’s rights in the media these days, I never fully grasped the conflicts that men may endure in our culture. Ernie wrote eloquently about his struggles with womanism, compounded by a childhood led by a mother who suffered for years at the hands of an abusive husband. Going through the journey with Indian Ernie as he figured out how to navigate the complex arena of gender relations was almost as informative for me as it clearly was for him.

Reading the point of view of a police officer when it comes to the use of force to subdue or arrest civilians, I have a new appreciation for what officers go through. News footage of police officers arresting and fighting is so commonplace that it is almost human nature to think that law enforcement uses excessive force. But as bystanders, we need to re-evaluate what we see. Indian Ernie says it best, “No matter how professional, no matter how much an officer’s use of force is in adherence with the law and policy, it always looks ugly.” I now have an even greater appreciation for the men and women who keep us safe.

Indian Ernie attended the Saskatchewan Police College on the University of Regina campus. He explored the city on weekends, reminding me all over again why I love our capital city so much.

This book covers so much interesting ground - Indian Ernie’s formative years as a child of divorce, his stint as an arson investigator, his years spent in the Army, and his time on the Saskatoon Police force. It also touches on topics like PTSD, racism, indigenous issues, and the opioid crisis in Canada.

The Unexpected Cop contains so many interesting stories and valuable information that I will read it again and again in years to come. And I’ll be picking up copies of Indian Ernie’s first two books as his writing style is irresistible. Love you, Indian Ernie!

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR FROM WWW.SKBOOKS.COM

[Dasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, and while there are certainly interesting insights within it, I feel that it contains a lot of...odd observations. When he recounts a guard who attempted to sexually harass a female coworker he notes the extreme stress the guard was under and that it was "out of character." However, I would argue it was the guard's character, just not a side he showed Louttit before. When he discusses working with women he notes that he wasn't being difficult on purpose and was learning (p. 27). While I appreciate his growth it is quite unfortunate that men expect to be given the space to learn that women are equal. Similarly, his observation that sexual violence committed by cops is sensationalized and can be adequately dealt with through internal investigations (that brotherhood won't intervene because it didn't impact him) is placing way too much faith in the system. The reflective parts, his advocacy for the community he dedicated himself to, and descriptions of PTSD are overshadowed for me by the seeming "survivor's bias" that creeps throughout the pages.

[Sijeesh Joshi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light read, more about writer’s experience with policing and as a soldier than being an indigenous citizen. Author tries to convey positive messages, especially to youth readers. Yet, the book is not for mature and avid readers.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first "Indian Ernie" book I read and I enjoyed it. It gave a good perspective on policing and the challenges that are faced in this role. It also gave a good perspective on the leadership this role takes on in the community and how to work with others to diffuse situations before they become explosive. I felt the appendices were too long and a bit "preachy", but overall the book was interesting and refreshing.

[Joan Almond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently, I was invited to a Book Club held in The Local History room, of the Saskatoon Public Library.

‘Unexpected Cop’ was the book chosen for discussion. Each participant enjoyed the book! If enjoyed is a word to use, in some of the things , the author experienced throughout his policing career.

I appreciated the author’s vulnerability in sharing his life , both personal and professional!

[Arlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was worth reading just for getting a perspective of policing that is not generally available through media. I also appreciated the format - short chapters that were more or less self contained stories. Worked well to have it tucked in the swim bag and read a bit each week while the kids were at swimming lessons.

[Christopher · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read the first 1/4 of the book - it reads like a high school text, just statement after statement about what the author did during his careers first in the military then as a policeman. Too dry for my taste, and not what I had expected, which was commentary on policing from an indigenous POV.

[Mark Archibald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good memoir from someone who has inhabited some vital intersections of society. Some great leadership info, and some great insights into policing in western Canada.

[Olive Sampson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Appendices are the best part of the book!