The Dodger: Inside the World of Roger Rogerson

by Duncan McNab

As a former Sydney detective himself, journalist Duncan McNab intimately knows the world of Roger Rogerson, Australia's most notorious ex-policeman. They trained at the same places, rose through the ranks in the same time-honoured way, and served in some of the same divisions – yet Rogerson's career was to turn out very differently indeed.

The Dodger is a brilliant behind-the-scenes account of Rogerson and the police culture that created him. It shines a powerful spotlight on a hidden world of corruption and violence and on the infamous murders of Warren Lanfranchi, Sallie-Anne Huckstepp and the attempted murder of Michael Drury. It also details the rise and fall of Rogerson's friendship with Arthur "Neddy" Smith, heroin dealer, murderer and one of the most feared villains in Australia.

The Dodger is a truly eye-opening insider's view of a brilliant detective gone to the bad and of cases that have become Australian criminal legend.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Maureen]

It is beyond belief that Roger Rogerson spent so little of his life behind bars. The man who weeps at funerals and helps little old ladies is exposed as a brutal killer, thief, standover man, drug dealer and more. Is he a psychopath? I don't want to get close enough to find out and thankfully never will.

[Angela Brady]

An insiders view of parts of the Sydney Police force in the 1970’s and 80’s. The extent of the corruption and violence of some officers has been skilfully outlined in this book by McNab - well worth reading if you’re interested in this period of Sydney’s history.

[Anne]

Deeply disturbing how a great well respected police officer so quickly moved to the dark side and became everything that the badge fights against.

At the end of the day we must all be grateful he was one of the few caught and punished for his crimes rather than let go on sickness benefits or resignation where we keep paying for them.

In sightful, well written and highly recommended if your interest lie in policing, corruption or just true crime

[Chris Stewart]

An interesting time in the history of policing in NSW.