Reimagining Blue: Thoughts on Life, Leadership, and a New Way Forward in Policing

by Kristen Ziman

Reimagining Blue is a passionate and personal analysis of a misunderstood profession from the vantage point of female police chief Kristen Ziman. Ziman credits her colorful childhood for the temperament that led her to gravitate toward policing, a profession where chaos is all in a day’s work. Many times, she learned life and leadership lessons through the revelation of what not to do. But nothing could have prepared Kristen for the turmoil that would unfold during her tenure. A mass shooting, a pandemic, and civil unrest that threatened the trusting relationship between her department and her community became her greatest professional challenges. This deeply moving memoir is a story of resilience and perseverance in policing―and in life. It’s a raw and honest portrayal told by a flawed human about a noble profession suffering an identity crisis. Reimagining Blue is an urgent call to find a way forward, not because the system is broken, but because it can always be better.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography Memoir

256 pages, Hardcover

Published July 12, 2022

Reviews

[Bob]

I read Kristen Zinman's book in a 24-hour span. Her book is personal and helps us to understand the perspective of law enforcement during these difficult times. She is an optimist and her perspective is hopeful and positive. The book intertwines her personal life story with her career journey from police officer to the first female chief of her department. Her passion for service to others and striving to always be better is really a model for all of us as we travel along our own career paths.

Why read this book? Because we hear from media and televised press conferences, but we rarely hear from the law enforcement leaders who are serving their communities. Ms. Zinman's passionate story is not defensive. She shares an insightful perspective of a law enforcement career professional who sees the strengths and flaws that we all experience as imperfect humans and how we can strive together as communities to improve. Ms. Zinman holds nothing back as she shares her struggles and strengths as a leader and a hopeful insight for the future.

I highly recommend this book for all that want to get behind the lines to learn about ways to successfully be a servant leader.

[Mary]

I devoured this book in 2 days and am still reeling from the gifted storytelling. Ziman's work is amazing from first word to last. Not only does she provide a well-reasoned approach to bringing one's best self to the profession of policing (and life itself), but it is a captivating memoir of a daughter, wife, and mother who rose to the highest ranks in her profession. A compelling and inspiring read written by a trailblazer behind the badge.

[Rebecca]

After picking up this book several months ago, after hearing the author (one of my superheroes) speak at a conference, I’ve been afraid to read it. I was so excited that day, but then scared the book would be another boring, high-horse self-help book. I was SO wrong! I loved the book, I love and admire Kristen. It’s not just a book for police officers, but a book for anyone who wants to be a better leader…or even just a better person. 💙

[Sharon Gaston-Mirakian]

I was sucked in from the first sentence, WOW! The personal & raw words unabashedly shared by Kristen, are eye opening for those not familiar with law enforcement. Kristen’s candor about racism, gun control, women empowerment/leadership & her own personal story is cathartic for both the audience & obviously the author too.
As a woman in a male dominated profession of anesthesiology, I wholeheartedly found myself shaking my head in agreement. The refreshing realistic approach to improving policing today is described in a kind compassionate manner.
This book talks to anyone & everyone, so much to benefit from while chuckling at Kristen’s humorous candor.
Hoping to see another book from her in the future! Btw the book has a RAD cover so it’s also a perfect “coffee table” book, sure to strike up conversations!

[Ramses Coly]

Kristen Ziman on the state of policing in America

What is a good cop? What is a bad cop? WHAT IS A REAL COP? Former Aurora (IL) Chief of Police-turned-author discusses all those topics in her book, "Reimagining Blue: Thoughts on Life, Leadership and a New Way Forward in Policing," released in the summer of 2022. The book is the author’s honest look at the state of law enforcement in the United States, post-George Floyd era. Ziman explains her leadership style, her upbringing and how she struggled with an alcoholic father, and her rise through the ranks in a single department where she spent her 30-year career.

'Reimagining Blue' isn’t a pro-cop or anti-cop book. In fact, the author suspects that some police officers may not like the book. However, it is a good book to own for both law enforcement personnel and other civilians alike. It is especially a reference for any public safety worker aspiring to one day become a supervisor or serve in a management role, whether in a sworn capacity or not.

[Monica Mac]

This was quite an interesting book. I have to admit that I wish there were some more anecdotes about the author's time in the police force but it is what it is.

Chief Ziman has lead an interesting life, from her early, dysfunctional home life, to her lifetime career in the police force. The majority of police officers, even today, are male, so for her to forge her path when she did, is admirable.

I found myself agreeing with so many things that she spoke about and if she had been my boss, I would absolutely have given her my loyalty. She made me think about things more deeply, and even though I am not a police officer myself, it gave me some ideas about how I can improve as a person and as an employee.

4 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amplify Publishing Group.

[Elaine Lucky]

Thanks to Goodreads & Amplify Publishing for a free copy of this book. I DNF at page 132.
The book is all over the place. A retired police chief who doesn't own weapons except her service one and her dads because we really don't need guns. A long chapter touting George Floyd and wonderful it was to put the "bad officers" away for their crimes even though Floyd was in the wrong. She repeatedly tells us she's a blue eyed blond & wears her hair in a ponytail and isn't privileged, yet she went to private school. After she divorced her husband, she's not a lesbian but is now married to a woman. She mentions a one line that her dad killed himself and maybe addresses it somewhere else in the book?? Not worth finishing and not interested in politics

[Grace Downey]

I enjoyed this book immensely. If you’re like me and find yourself in political debates trying to sway people to consider reforming the policing profession, this book is for you. If you’re entangled with a conservative relative who thinks the police can do no wrong, recommend them this book. Maybe they’ll listen to a former police chief.

Ziman has a middle of the road approach in that she sees the necessity of a police force while also recognizing the abuses of power that historically and still take place. She advocates for police reform and accountability in this work and I appreciate that.

I took off a star only because there were moments I wish Ziman’s analysis of some situations had gone a step further, such as why people commit crime.

[Holly Schubert]

This frank and honest book provides thoughtful commentary on leadership, forgiveness and policing in today’s tumultuous times. It not only provides value to women, leaders and law enforcement officials (or any combination thereof), it provides value to anyone who seeks to improve him- or herself, but gets bored reading typical business leadership books. The author shares personal stories that explain her perspective without getting preachy.

[Patricia Ann]

I echo the WOW of another reviewer. This book fascinated me, Caused me to question, to think (much as KZ's prof did in class!). I have taught local authoritarian 'thin blue line' officers in the past with dogmatic belief systems. I am friends with several State Troopers and their families. I truly truly see the value of education, of learning de-escalation, listening, and communication techniques. Yet, there are those who will hold firmly to the police 'culture' of the Thin Blue Line-- using fear, violence, intimidation ... police brutality that leads to mistrust of the police. The title does say most of what this book is about: her life and how it shaped her to become who she was, Leadership- being who YOU are, being human and humane, problem solving orientation ( actually, she's Solution Oriented-- setting goals--i.e. what do we want to have happen , what is the best possible outcome), and the NEW way Forward: we do need police reform, thoughtful reform with education of officers, better screening of candidates, a team approach with social service agencies ). I truly wanted to sit down and talk with her while reading the book; her writing is so engaging and real. AND NOW I also want to buy copies of her book for the 'local' law enforcement in my small town who only receive minimal training in how to handle a gun.

[Kelly]

A very captivating memoir of the life of a police officer who became the first female Chief of her department. The book shares both personal and professional stories of her journey. It offered a different perspective about what law enforcement goes through, that we don’t really hear about in the media. The author recognizes that the system is flawed, but maintained positivity through her ‘Be Better’ mantra. Because of this, I found her to be inspiring and a great role model, especially for those who wants to be in a leadership role within law enforcement. I found the entire book to be very informative, fascinating and encouraging. I will be recommending this book to anyone considering a career in law enforcement or anyone who wants to read about a different perspective that doesn’t get shared often. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the ARC for my honest feedback.

[Jennie Andersen-Drake]

This book grabs your attention from the very first page - as she notes, it's not a traditional memoir in that everything's not going to go in chronological order, but the connections she makes from her experiences to different topics and thoughts about leadership make this a must read.

Having been able to observe her leadership as the police chief of APD while working in the city, I've always admired her openness and willingness to listen to her citizens and do what was right for the city. As she noted in the book, she asks three questions: "Am I doing the right thing," "at the right time," and "for the right reasons?" - if any of the answers were no, she would not move forward with the decision. Her way of weaving together her personal experiences with her professional ones made this a fascinating read and one I look forward to reading again!

[Becky]

A very vulnerable look at the person and well-balanced look at the profession. KZ is a great example of leadership and a true role model for women in the law enforcement field. While she is now retired, she clearly will continue to go on and share her knowledge and wisdom in great ways. Her writing style is laid back and easy to consume, making her message easy to digest and ponder. Can’t wait to see what more she has in store!

[Martha Brindley]

This is a very interesting memoir from a former Chief of Police in Ohio. It's well thought out, personal and thought provoking. The passion she had for her job and helping others, positively oozes from the pages. A very inspirational read for anyone considering a job in law enforcement. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Helen]

A honest and unapologetic account of life in the police force and rising through the ranks. Encountering obstacles in people, superiors and her own mind set at different times.
Illuminating in what it takes to lead but most importantly be part of a team that has different strengths to be the whole package.

[Katie Salzman]

Compelling and well written, Kristen's voice genuinely comes through. I can relate to many of her stories in LE and I sincerely appreciated her words of advice for our women in LE wanting to work their way up the ranks behind her.

[Kelly]

Wry well written, engaging from the start. Good perspectives and acknowledgements of the problems, yet offering insights of the reality as she sees it. Very interesting, and I only wish the book went a bit further with the analysis.

[Donna Mueller]

2nd half better than 1st. A bit of repetition but a book EVERYONE should read. Reminds me of LEADERSHIP AND SELF DECEPTION.

[Ellen]

It was refreshing to read this book which is not left or right, Democrat or Republican, but well stated common sense and independent thinking.

[Joanna]

what an amazing book! I could not put it down. So much love and substance! I highly recommend this book to anyone!

[James]

Entertaining and inspiring biography from a police executive who continues to be a leader in her profession.

[Taradicken]

Fantastic book that should be read by every law enforcement professional.

[Adrian Travis]

Truly inspiring!

[Deb]

Interesting journey of how lessons are learned

[Jennifer Rosario]

Very relatable and thought-provoking. Great memoir for women in policing.