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Deputy: 35 Years as a Deputy Sheriff from Upstate NY to LA
True street cop stories from retired L.A. Sheriff’s Sergeant Cliff YatesRide along with a real DEPUTY Have you ever wondered what it would be like to patrol the streets of south-central LA? What if you could go behind the scenes and see what life is really like on the Sunset Strip? ”DEPUTY” 35 years as a Deputy Sheriff from upstate NY to LA is the first-hand account of Cliff Yates, a thirty-five-year law enforcement veteran. His story begins in rural upstate New York, then takes a drastic turn that leads him to the mean streets of LA and the surrounding area. This memoir invites readers into his world and see what he saw, experience what he experienced. Each story is real. Some may be tough to read. Others will make you laugh-out-loud. But all serve as a lesson Cliff will carry with him for the rest of his days. If you’ve ever wondered what life is like for men and women in the law enforcement community, this book will answer most of your questions and give you great insight from someone who has been there. Fast, riveting and exciting.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2019
382 people are currently reading
1080 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 6, 2020
Turn off Live PD and open this book for an honest look into the life and career of a 35 year veteran of law enforcement. Fascinating stories, intense situations and comical happenings that only true life can offer, with no commercials.
A great read!
A great read!
September 30, 2021
This is a page turner written by author Cliff Yates, who grew up in a law enforcement family and decided on a career in the same field. After working for 5 years in his home area of rural New York, he decided he was ready for more of a challenge and some warmer weather. He applied to multiple departments in different parts of the country, and ended up in LA. I enjoyed his stories of becoming a cop in NY, and also going through the Academy in LA. Then following his career as he did his time working the jail and eventually got on patrol. A very readable book that goes by all too quickly. For those who would enjoy a ride-along type book.
December 12, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A boy becomes a cop. This is a collection of memories from a man's 30 year career as a police officer. Going from a deputy in rural upstate New York to being a hard charger in Compton, to walking the sidewalks of Universal City and rubbing elbows with celebrities. The author also went into stand up comedy.
Pretty entertaining, and a good look into what a policeman's job can be like,
A boy becomes a cop. This is a collection of memories from a man's 30 year career as a police officer. Going from a deputy in rural upstate New York to being a hard charger in Compton, to walking the sidewalks of Universal City and rubbing elbows with celebrities. The author also went into stand up comedy.
Pretty entertaining, and a good look into what a policeman's job can be like,
November 9, 2019
This book is a memoir of my 35 years in law enforcement. Working as a Deputy Sheriff patrolling the rural roads of upstate NY to the glitz and glamour patrolling West Hollywood as a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy. Along the way there are laughs, blood, guts, and never ending excitement. I know you will enjoy the read.
November 22, 2020
Won this from Goodreads. Interesting but told in kind of weird form. Most of it is like a person just writing memories down as they come to him. Some of it is repetitive.
December 1, 2019
An interesting retrospective
The author takes you through the highlights and lowlights of an interesting career. If you have ever wondered about how a law enforcement career evolves, this is the book for you. The numerous anecdotes shared grant the reader an insight into the short and long term impact that events have on a service career.
The author takes you through the highlights and lowlights of an interesting career. If you have ever wondered about how a law enforcement career evolves, this is the book for you. The numerous anecdotes shared grant the reader an insight into the short and long term impact that events have on a service career.
November 28, 2019
Great read from a real copper
A very enjoyable read about many different aspects of the “ Job”.
Your years in law enforcement are amazing and your 35yrs. of service are greatly appreciated. It is an honor to call you brother!
All The Best!
Pat McCarthy
Author “Chicago Street Cop”
A very enjoyable read about many different aspects of the “ Job”.
Your years in law enforcement are amazing and your 35yrs. of service are greatly appreciated. It is an honor to call you brother!
All The Best!
Pat McCarthy
Author “Chicago Street Cop”
March 12, 2020
I won this book via the Goodreads Giveaway; all opinions are my own.
This novel takes you through Cliff Yates career life as a small town sheriff to the notorious LA Sheriff Dept. It was enjoyable to read his experiences through his 35 year career. I'm a military brat so I had a dream of either joining the military or law enforcement. While attending community college, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. Unfortunately an illness occurred and I was no longer eligible for either the military or law enforcement so I took up a career in I.T. (which was another passion of mine). I guess that's why I love crime/mystery novels so much.
I had to deduct a star off the review because holy-moly the grammatical errors!! You don't need to pay an editor to proof your work but have another set of eyes proofing before publishing.
Thank you for your service and you truly are a great comedian as well!
This novel takes you through Cliff Yates career life as a small town sheriff to the notorious LA Sheriff Dept. It was enjoyable to read his experiences through his 35 year career. I'm a military brat so I had a dream of either joining the military or law enforcement. While attending community college, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement. Unfortunately an illness occurred and I was no longer eligible for either the military or law enforcement so I took up a career in I.T. (which was another passion of mine). I guess that's why I love crime/mystery novels so much.
I had to deduct a star off the review because holy-moly the grammatical errors!! You don't need to pay an editor to proof your work but have another set of eyes proofing before publishing.
Thank you for your service and you truly are a great comedian as well!
May 25, 2021
This book started off a little slow, and I wasn't sure I would finish it at first. It took me a few days to get into it but by the end I was speeding through the pages. Overall, Cliff Yates has had an interesting career, and I appreciate that he shared it with his readers. This memoir definitely tastes like an indie-published book, but that adds some charm to it as well.
In Deputy 35 years as a Deputy Sheriff, author Cliff Yates describes what led him to pursuing a career in the police force, his various assignments and ascension up the career ladder, and his aspirations outside the police force. He elaborates on his wide array of assignments across the country and his forays into other career fields as well. Yates offers a personal look into the world of police officers, more authentic than any primetime TV show.
In the early parts of the book, I couldn't find myself empathizing with Yates and I held my breath at points as I was afraid he would casually include some officer-involved violence, racism, or violence against women. In the current political climate, I think it's understandable for the public to have some apprehensions about the police force. I now realize that Yates' was not THAT kind of officer, and I had little reason to be nervous about reading this book. Especially as the book progressed and Yates talks about his personal growth and his aspirations, I found myself better connecting with him and his story.
I do believe this book could have done with another edit. I realize its focus was with Yates' career as a cop, but obviously other parts of his life played a role in his career trajectory and I believe they could have been better incorporated.
I did enjoy reading this book and learning about the training and work that goes into becoming a police officer. Yates has had an interesting career in a variety of positions, and he gives real and authentic insight into the life of a cop. I truly appreciated his insight and his personal stories. At parts, it truly felt like he was a friend sharing stories around the dinner table.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway for the purpose of providing an honest review.
In Deputy 35 years as a Deputy Sheriff, author Cliff Yates describes what led him to pursuing a career in the police force, his various assignments and ascension up the career ladder, and his aspirations outside the police force. He elaborates on his wide array of assignments across the country and his forays into other career fields as well. Yates offers a personal look into the world of police officers, more authentic than any primetime TV show.
In the early parts of the book, I couldn't find myself empathizing with Yates and I held my breath at points as I was afraid he would casually include some officer-involved violence, racism, or violence against women. In the current political climate, I think it's understandable for the public to have some apprehensions about the police force. I now realize that Yates' was not THAT kind of officer, and I had little reason to be nervous about reading this book. Especially as the book progressed and Yates talks about his personal growth and his aspirations, I found myself better connecting with him and his story.
I do believe this book could have done with another edit. I realize its focus was with Yates' career as a cop, but obviously other parts of his life played a role in his career trajectory and I believe they could have been better incorporated.
I did enjoy reading this book and learning about the training and work that goes into becoming a police officer. Yates has had an interesting career in a variety of positions, and he gives real and authentic insight into the life of a cop. I truly appreciated his insight and his personal stories. At parts, it truly felt like he was a friend sharing stories around the dinner table.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway for the purpose of providing an honest review.
April 23, 2021
Sounds like he’s wound up happy …
Yates’ youth & middle years spent in law enforcement are recorded nearly as factually & dryly as a police report. Even when he talks about events or people he found funny, he mostly isn’t able to share it that way in the book. Just no emotion.
Later career into retirement is told very differently, however. I don’t know if his wife helped with the recollections? Or if he’s just a more positive person now? Whatever the reason, Yates tells about his more recent/present life with much more description.
I’m glad he found happiness after serving as an LEO for so many years (including areas Im lived in LA County). But unfortunately, I can’t recommend that anyone read Yates’ story, since it’s more a telling of a series of events than an actual story.
Yates’ youth & middle years spent in law enforcement are recorded nearly as factually & dryly as a police report. Even when he talks about events or people he found funny, he mostly isn’t able to share it that way in the book. Just no emotion.
Later career into retirement is told very differently, however. I don’t know if his wife helped with the recollections? Or if he’s just a more positive person now? Whatever the reason, Yates tells about his more recent/present life with much more description.
I’m glad he found happiness after serving as an LEO for so many years (including areas Im lived in LA County). But unfortunately, I can’t recommend that anyone read Yates’ story, since it’s more a telling of a series of events than an actual story.
July 28, 2021
The paternal side of the Yates family has a Blue Bloods feel to it.
I personally know similar families in both the LEO and firefighter traditions.
It may not be all a person wants to do with their life, but there is no getting away from the fact that it has an influence.
The writing is dry, perhaps from years of writing "just the facts," but as this Yates also does stand up comedy, I expected a few more descriptive or playful stories. That is not to say this book is not interesting.
Cliff Yates also tells us that in his younger life he was not very athletic. He always wanted to be accepted and belong. He did grow up in a large shadow, being son of a super cop.
Eventually he did find his niche and an extended family in blue, and brown.
I have a feeling his recollections would rate higher being told aloud rather than in print.
I personally know similar families in both the LEO and firefighter traditions.
It may not be all a person wants to do with their life, but there is no getting away from the fact that it has an influence.
The writing is dry, perhaps from years of writing "just the facts," but as this Yates also does stand up comedy, I expected a few more descriptive or playful stories. That is not to say this book is not interesting.
Cliff Yates also tells us that in his younger life he was not very athletic. He always wanted to be accepted and belong. He did grow up in a large shadow, being son of a super cop.
Eventually he did find his niche and an extended family in blue, and brown.
I have a feeling his recollections would rate higher being told aloud rather than in print.
August 5, 2020
Disappointing
I had several issues with this book:
First, Livingston County is in Western NY, not upstate. Upstate is considered the Adirondacks and such, I live in Central NY which is way more upstate than Rochester and Caledonia.
TYPOS! Any good editor would've found and corrected the typos and repeated sentences. Several time it read like the author wrote it one way, then thought of a different way to say the exact same thing without deleting the first version.
This book was very disjointed, jumping back and forth. A lot of the stories seemed to be half told,then he jumped to something else,then jumped back. The last few chapters were a lot of name dropping and patting homework on the back.
I was looking forward reading this book and was disappointed in it.
I had several issues with this book:
First, Livingston County is in Western NY, not upstate. Upstate is considered the Adirondacks and such, I live in Central NY which is way more upstate than Rochester and Caledonia.
TYPOS! Any good editor would've found and corrected the typos and repeated sentences. Several time it read like the author wrote it one way, then thought of a different way to say the exact same thing without deleting the first version.
This book was very disjointed, jumping back and forth. A lot of the stories seemed to be half told,then he jumped to something else,then jumped back. The last few chapters were a lot of name dropping and patting homework on the back.
I was looking forward reading this book and was disappointed in it.
November 22, 2020
Interesting
I am a true crime junkie. I love anything to do with 48 Hours, 20/20, or anything of that nature, so I was super excited to dive into a book of real life experiences from a 30 year veteran cop turned comic! With that said, the experiences and stories were extremely entertaining, some more than others, but interesting nonetheless. The writing style was a little off in some chapters, jumping around quite a bit making it a bit hard to follow. And with me being a transcriptionist/editor, I found quite a few typos, grammatical errors, and repeated sentences.
This is definitely a quick easy read with an interesting subject matter, just a few hiccups
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I am a true crime junkie. I love anything to do with 48 Hours, 20/20, or anything of that nature, so I was super excited to dive into a book of real life experiences from a 30 year veteran cop turned comic! With that said, the experiences and stories were extremely entertaining, some more than others, but interesting nonetheless. The writing style was a little off in some chapters, jumping around quite a bit making it a bit hard to follow. And with me being a transcriptionist/editor, I found quite a few typos, grammatical errors, and repeated sentences.
This is definitely a quick easy read with an interesting subject matter, just a few hiccups
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
December 13, 2020
I enjoyed reading this short book about the life of one police officer.
Yates writes about his career and the different paths it took as he got promoted. He also talks about his side hustles, like stand up comedy.
I think this book was very honest, which is a good thing, but some of it was hard to read. Yates could have included some more feel good stories about police work that would have helped my view of police work.
A good editor needs to go through and correct the grammatical errors.
Overall, I think it was a solid 3. Pretty good for what it is.
Yates writes about his career and the different paths it took as he got promoted. He also talks about his side hustles, like stand up comedy.
I think this book was very honest, which is a good thing, but some of it was hard to read. Yates could have included some more feel good stories about police work that would have helped my view of police work.
A good editor needs to go through and correct the grammatical errors.
Overall, I think it was a solid 3. Pretty good for what it is.
November 10, 2019
Fast paced, real stories
Dedicated deputy recounts major real Sheriff stories with pith and down played emotions as he keeps up with the times and evolves as a peace officer in vastly different locales. This is a look behind the scenes of law enforcement and the toll it takes on the strongest of the strong. How this man survived through the mayhem and politics took a sense of humor and fortitude. Great read of non-fiction and terse in a fast paced career.
Dedicated deputy recounts major real Sheriff stories with pith and down played emotions as he keeps up with the times and evolves as a peace officer in vastly different locales. This is a look behind the scenes of law enforcement and the toll it takes on the strongest of the strong. How this man survived through the mayhem and politics took a sense of humor and fortitude. Great read of non-fiction and terse in a fast paced career.
April 20, 2022
Not my usual thing...
I rarely read non-fiction. Not for any reason other than I have pretty much always read fiction books. Most of my exposure to non-fiction has been educational. I enjoyed reading this book. This author is a good storyteller. He paints a picture of his life experiences so we can follow along with him. Also, imparting wisdom from what he learned along his journey.
I rarely read non-fiction. Not for any reason other than I have pretty much always read fiction books. Most of my exposure to non-fiction has been educational. I enjoyed reading this book. This author is a good storyteller. He paints a picture of his life experiences so we can follow along with him. Also, imparting wisdom from what he learned along his journey.
February 11, 2020
Interesting
I read this book on a whim. I thought it could not be interesting but it was wrong. I became very interested as I read about upstate N Y as I had visited there several times. Getting to LA was difficult but the author was very determined. He fought for the promotions he wanted and received. Comedy was his second love and he had a successful career as a comedian, also
I read this book on a whim. I thought it could not be interesting but it was wrong. I became very interested as I read about upstate N Y as I had visited there several times. Getting to LA was difficult but the author was very determined. He fought for the promotions he wanted and received. Comedy was his second love and he had a successful career as a comedian, also
November 11, 2020
Like it
This was information as well as an interesting book. It was easy reading and enjoyable. He shares the true secret of life, each of us set the tone of our lives by our action. How we approach daily experiences determines our success and personal happiness. This is a wise man. Thank you Officer Yates.
This was information as well as an interesting book. It was easy reading and enjoyable. He shares the true secret of life, each of us set the tone of our lives by our action. How we approach daily experiences determines our success and personal happiness. This is a wise man. Thank you Officer Yates.
November 25, 2020
Amazing story !
It's so interesting to read the life of a law enforcement officer and all it entails. I'm glad for Officer Yates that he got out before 2020, and all the craziness that went along with it. The book was great though and thank you for recommending Tony Robbins books. I plan to get them soon.
It's so interesting to read the life of a law enforcement officer and all it entails. I'm glad for Officer Yates that he got out before 2020, and all the craziness that went along with it. The book was great though and thank you for recommending Tony Robbins books. I plan to get them soon.
Read
May 2, 2021Good true life career read.
I personally enjoy true life stories. This one is direct. Cliff doesn't hide anything about the job he held for 30 years with the police force. Lots of funny antidotes throughout to make you smile. There are some very dumb crooks out there. Cliff tells you about the good and the bad. Maybe not for you but I enjoyed it.
I personally enjoy true life stories. This one is direct. Cliff doesn't hide anything about the job he held for 30 years with the police force. Lots of funny antidotes throughout to make you smile. There are some very dumb crooks out there. Cliff tells you about the good and the bad. Maybe not for you but I enjoyed it.
July 8, 2021
A dream come true
Being that I was a small town peace officer I can’t relate to how much it was a dream come true but a successful career in law-enforcement in LA.
I did enjoy working with the US Marshals at times but can only imagine the different training that a LA Deputy Sheriff received.
Being that I was a small town peace officer I can’t relate to how much it was a dream come true but a successful career in law-enforcement in LA.
I did enjoy working with the US Marshals at times but can only imagine the different training that a LA Deputy Sheriff received.
February 25, 2020
Great Book by Fellow Deputy
Having spent time on the job with Cliff in Livingston County and visiting with him in LA in 2012 I was looking forward to reading his book. I wasn't disappointed! Great read about life as a cop!
Having spent time on the job with Cliff in Livingston County and visiting with him in LA in 2012 I was looking forward to reading his book. I wasn't disappointed! Great read about life as a cop!
March 17, 2020
I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. The stories make this book a quick read. The author is passionate about the subject matter. The writing is uneven at times and several themes are repeated throughout the book. Overall a quality read with technical difficulties.
April 23, 2020
Very good.
Exceptionally informative. I don't really care about all the famous people, but the whole story and timeline were very rich and diverse and interesting. Highly recommended read.
Exceptionally informative. I don't really care about all the famous people, but the whole story and timeline were very rich and diverse and interesting. Highly recommended read.
September 9, 2020
Candid look at policing with humour
It is a well written book. Easy to read. Some great stories. The author comes across as honest, believable and self-deprecating. A nice insight into police work.
It is a well written book. Easy to read. Some great stories. The author comes across as honest, believable and self-deprecating. A nice insight into police work.
September 24, 2020
A unique perspective
An inside look at what being a police officer is like. From the things they deal with to being promoted and multiple transfers. There were some cool first hand stories that helped to understand what officers deal with on a regular basis.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
An inside look at what being a police officer is like. From the things they deal with to being promoted and multiple transfers. There were some cool first hand stories that helped to understand what officers deal with on a regular basis.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
October 27, 2020
Not just a cop!
Nothing like spending a few hours of time on great storytelling. Yates puts a positive spin on what is certainly the toughest gig in America. Worthy read. Now I need to go find his comedy.
Nothing like spending a few hours of time on great storytelling. Yates puts a positive spin on what is certainly the toughest gig in America. Worthy read. Now I need to go find his comedy.
October 27, 2020
Worth reading
The book has several typos and does not always flow but it does not take away from an interesting story. Seemed to be truthful, not worried about being politically correct story.
The book has several typos and does not always flow but it does not take away from an interesting story. Seemed to be truthful, not worried about being politically correct story.
June 15, 2021
Very good book if you like to know experiences of law enforcement , I will say think the author ( was the officer writing the book ) was a multi talented person that happened to be in law enforcement . I would recommend this book
July 8, 2021
Enjoyable
I like true life stories and Cliff’s life and careers is interesting. He’s definitely more cop than author so I forgive the less than literary sentence construction, and as a grammar nazi the typos bothered me, but overall a very enjoyable read.
I like true life stories and Cliff’s life and careers is interesting. He’s definitely more cop than author so I forgive the less than literary sentence construction, and as a grammar nazi the typos bothered me, but overall a very enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews