Joseph Wambaugh

One warm, sunny day in 1981, enjoying a day off while in the Marines stationed in Barstow, California, I happened to be walking down a Los Angeles street and, passing an outdoor book kiosk, saw a paperback entitled "The Glitter Dome," by Joseph Wambaugh. For the life of me, I have no idea what compelled me to buy this book. I had six dollars on me and, without hesitation, bought this book. When I returned to my barracks later that day, I started reading "The Glitter Dome." I literally could not put it down and read it in two days. Who in heck is this Joseph Wambaugh? I became obsessed about learining everything about him and bought every book he ever wrote up until that time, voraciously reading about police work and the flawed characters within that paradigm. Imagine my awe when I discovered he had served in the Marines! Immediately feeling as if I were in very good company, I researched the man and discovered he also held a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature. Thus began my mission: obtain my college degree, become a policeman and write books. During this time, I wrote numerous letters to Mr. Wambaugh, praising whichever book I had just finished reading. Not expecting any response, imagine my shock and awe when this gentleman actually responded to my letters, being kind enough to include a carboard book mark embossed with the LAPD badge! He offered kind words of support and encouragement always. Eventually, I became a policeman, obtained my Master's Degree, wrote numerous screenplays and eventually created many commercial and narrative video projects for various law enforcement agencies and film festivals all because of the inspiration of Mr. Wambaugh's literature and accomplishments. And, he never failed to return my numerous correspondences over the years with a terrific bookmark listing his latest novel. He even responded to a few of my emails sent to him a few years ago. I say, thank you, Sir, for the inspiration and motivation starting when I was 19 that brought to where I am today. Rest warm.

In 1973 , I was 10 years old in the 5th grade,I began watching "Police Story's, thank to my father introducing me to that program based on true police cases. I have always had lots of respect for Joseph,but I wanted to be a police officer but maybe it just wasn't in the cards. Joseph Wambaugh was one of the greatest Americans to ever live. The World is a lesser place without him. Like Joseph, I also served in the United States Marine Corps. Semper Fidelis, Brother and God Bless You. Edward B.Vasquez Phoenix,Arizona

As a police officer, he understood the police mind. I never cared for fiction but I enjoyed all of his fiction and the non-fiction were great as well. He was truly a cop story teller

Our condolences to Joseph's family. A wonderful author. I am distantly related through the Wambaugh family in Pine Grove, PA. The family was so happy for him. You are in our prayers.

Spent 30 years as a LEO. Joseph Wambaugh was a big influence on all of us at that time. The mid 70's. The New Centurions. The Onion Field. Of course, the Choirboys. Police Story. All of these were very influencial to a group of young cops. He will be missed!

My Condolences.

RIP. I have been a fan since 1972. He was the Dean of crime writing. The Onion Field is one of the finest books ever written about the criminal justice system. Thanks also for his USMC service.

I was a serving Police officer most of my working life. I read every Joseph Wambaugh book in order of publication. Although from outside of the US,his characters and situations they found themselves in resonated deeply with me and many others like me. You gave me so much pleasure an left an indelible mark on my life. An iconic chronicler of the Police life. God bless and keep you.

I´m at a loss for words. You made every Centurion understand the uniqueness of "the job" through your books. The good times, the bad times, the memories will live on until we´re called to heaven. Vaya con Dos Joe, hug Captain Rudy de Leon and all the fallen Centurions.

Joe thank you for the hours of entertainment from your books and please RIP

Joseph Wambaugh and I corresponded several times over the years, while I was a Police Officer with the LVMPD. On my retirement, 35 years, in 2014, I sent him an email thanking him for all his books! He sent me a card with an autographed bookmark reading SemperCop.
My condolences to the Wambaugh family and thank you for sharing Joseph with us. He was a great writer and a great cop.

An accomplished and award -winning writer whose writings on police and detective work opened up a whole new perspective on the real world of law enforcement. He really shed light on a field that had not been seen before. Sincere condolences to the Wambaugh family, so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you to help you through your time of loss.

My favorite author. I have read every book he has written. He had a unique outlook on crime. From actual accounts to fictional overviews. As a retired Deputy Sheriff, I completely understand," Semper Cop". R.I.P. Brother of the Badge

Dear Wambaugh Family my condolences's to the family.he'll surely be missed very much and may he rest in peace.best faith