The Traffic Stop: A Most Dangerous Year In The Life Of A Cop

by James Casey

2014: A Most Dangerous Year...

At a time when police officers are frequently vilified in the press. The Traffic Stop: A Most Dangerous Year in the Life of a cop serves as a poignant reminder that cops are human beings doing a difficult and dangerous job, one that can have catastrophic consequences.

The Traffic stop takes readers on an unprecedented journey into the day-to-day personal and professional life of a dedicated veteran police officer who nearly gives his life in the line of duty.

222 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2021

Reviews

[Judy Naughton Hopper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a horrific event to be the catalyst for this book, but Officer James Casey is a good storyteller. He lays out so many incidents in so much “police” detail but does it in a way that a layman can follow while simultaneously learning the intricacies of police work. His humanity in dealing with the offenders he encounters is remarkable and heart-warming. His recovery from such a devastating injury with the support of his loving family is astounding. I highly recommend this book!!!!!

[Toni Gillette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book after watching Trooper Casey on the show On Patrol Live. It amazed me how after being shot in the face, he could return to his job. Give a good look at what police officers deal with on a day to say basis.

[Donna Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author James Casey is an Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper. In 2014, Casey was shot in the face while on duty conducting a traffic stop. His book, “The Traffic Stop,” chronicles his day at work, what lead up to that traffic stop, the shooting, his recovery and return to work (17 surgeries later) and the criminal trial of his attacker. However, this book offers so much more.

Several chapters in the book are Casey’s stories of other traffic stops, a day in the life of a law enforcement officer whose primary function is to patrol and enforce state laws on our state’s highways. The majority of these stops around the country end with no violence. But these stories also highlight how treating everyone with respect and dignity make a difference while accomplishing the primary goal. Professionalism as it should be.

I found the section about the criminal trial, the testimony and the outcome particularly interesting, especially the thoughts of a few of the jurors. Insight not often provided.

This book is a great read for anyone who has the desire to know what it’s really like to be a law enforcement officer, for anyone who is considering a career as a state trooper, criminal justice students, police explorers, for anyone who has a family member who is a law enforcement officer and yes, for anyone who has a negative opinion of the law enforcement profession as a whole.

It’s a quick, easy read that I highly recommend.

[Kathy Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoyed Trooper Casey’s way of dealing with the public on LivePD and more so I liked him as a human being! He always struck me as a humble down to earth man but when he was at work he was all business but he had a heart for people and his book shows that he does. What he went through being shot on duty and having the courage to come back and go back out there is phenomenal! This book is art and I enjoyed it tremendously! I hope he writes another soon! Trooper Casey you have a fan and friend in me

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned about James Casey when his department was featured on Live PD. I really enjoyed his personality and after his department cycled out of Live PD, I found him on Instagram. He had wrote a book about his experience being shot while on duty. I purchased his book and it was an interesting read about James and police work.

[Lauren Wentzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a whole new respect for law enforcement!! At many points throughout this book, I felt like I was listening to a good buddy that's a cop share their crazy work stories. Some things comical, some outrageous, and others downright terrifying! Officer Casey is a real Trooper in every sense of the word. His story is remarkable and inspiring!

[Tara Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Very accurate view into the life of law enforcement.

[Katy Askeland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book a 3-star review with great pain. I am a fan of Live PD. I am particularly a fan of James Casey. This man has been through hell, yet somehow has managed to maintain a sense of humor and an overall positive outlook on life.

The Traffic Stop not only tells the story of the horrific incident where James was shot in the face, but also details some of his more interesting experiences as an Arizona Highway Patrolman. James has a very easy, conversational way of telling stories and that is reflected in his book. It is very entertaining and tragic at the same time and will appeal to anyone interested in the trials and tribulations of policing. James seems to have a knack for stopping some of the wildest people and those stories are told with a great sense of humor.

The reason for my critical review is The Traffic Stop needs an editor. It is filled with typos and grammatical errors. I am not the grammar police, but I am a person who expects a published book to be clean. I can let a couple slide, but there were just too many in here to forgive. This is said with the utmost respect. I want James Casey to be successful. He works hard, has persevered through tragedies most of us can't even imagine and deserves respect. As I understand it, he is working on writing another book. I hope this time, he either hires an editor or at least sends ARCs out to some who would be willing to provide critical feedback.

Recommended with reservations.