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Once A Cop: The Street, The Law, Two Worlds, One Man
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New Jack City meets Serpico in this provocative memoir of a crack dealer-turned-decorated NYPD officer - a timely reflection on the complex relationship between the police and the communities they are meant to protect. "A rollicking, no-holds-barred account of life on the streets, seen from both sides." (Booklist) During the 1980s, crack cocaine devastated many of America's inner-city communities. Drug dealers seized neighborhoods, terrorizing inhabitants with brutal violence. Aunts and uncles, next-door neighbors, and best friends became addicts. No longer were playgrounds and parks a safe haven for kids; the sound of bouncing basketballs by day was replaced by the pop of gunshots by night. Those who lived through the nightmare tell unimaginable stories of that era. Once a Cop is one of the most extraordinary. Raised in Queens, New York, as a teen, Corey Pegues watched drugs uproot his stable, working-class neighborhood almost overnight. When times got tough, he had a choice: continue to watch his family struggle to buy food, to pay bills; or sell dope. He chose the latter, eventually becoming part of the notorious Supreme Team street gang. After a botched murder attempt on a rival gang member, Corey knew he had to get out. Barely 18, with two kids by two different women, Corey left under cover of night to enlist in the US Army. After several years in the military, he set his sights on becoming a New York City cop and breezed through the police academy. In this provocative memoir, Corey Pegues tells how a onetime crack dealer became one the highest ranking members of the largest police force in the country, living and working in the nation's most violent neighborhoods. His meteoric rise from patrol officer to deputy inspector covers the administrations of former New York City mayors Rudy Giulliani and Michael Bloomberg, and coincides with the early tenures of famed police commissioners Ray Kelly and William "Bill" Bratton. Corey grants listeners full access to the manner in which some of the NYPD's most controversial policies were implemented; and an insider's take on the shootings of Sean Bell, Amadou Diallo, the assault on Abner Louima, and other tragedies that stained the department. As tensions continue to mount between police and communities of color, Corey tears down the blue wall to discuss the discriminatory practices he faced within the NYPD and talks candidly about the distrust that exists between law enforcement and the citizens they are sworn to protect. Corey contends that his life on the streets informed his approach to police work, and shows how it made him a more conscientious and compassionate officer. There aren't many people who understand both sides of the story. Corey doesn't hate the police. He loves the badge. And he believes it's his duty to challenge the culture of racism, silence, and arrogance in the NYPD and police departments across the country.

Audible Audio Edition

Listening Length: 10 hours and 8 minutes

Program Type: Audiobook

Version: Unabridged

Publisher: Audible Studios

Audible.com Release Date: May 24, 2016

Whispersync for Voice: Ready

Language: English

ASIN: B01FYDG5RY

Best Sellers Rank: #57 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Professionals & Academics > Law Enforcement #238 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Specific Groups > Crime & Criminals #506 in Books > Audible Audiobooks > Biographies & Memoirs > Personal Memoirs

Honestly, I am only through the first section of this book, but I'm prepared to give this 5 stars. I saw the author on the Daily Show, and I ordered the book because Corey Pegues seemed like someone who could tell a good story. I taught writing at a two year college for a long time, and I always found that police make excellent writers. Corey Pegues lives up that that standard -- the details are clear, the scenes are remarkably set, and the book even has pictures. Every character in the story, so far, has been real, and I have spent as much time googling the people and events as I have reading the book. I had been looking for a really engaging, gripping story, and I have struggled to find anything that isn't too shallow, but isn't too esoteric. I have put this book down, twice, since I opened it today -- to eat. Honestly, I take it in the bathroom with me. (Is that too much? Whatever.) I love Corey Pegues as a narrator. He is reflective and self aware. He, also, makes for a likable main character, who is sensitive, thoughtful, and flawed. This book is a great read because you feel like you're listening to someone with the heart to understand people and the knack for telling a great story.

This story was captivating. Riveting, gritty, and raw.. The transparency was honest and heartfelt as if u were right there by his side. This non stop page turner had me wanting to know what happened next. Challenging one self to do better and want more from life than just what's handed to you because of life's challenges and circumstances-it is the everyday challenge. This much needed talk with readers was refreshing as he delves into a much needed conversation about life, race and policing especially for young black men...I'm so glad I joined him and took this journey with this incredible story of life on both sides of the tracks."you got to know how and when to switch lanes" Trust me u don't want to miss out on this one. I'm an avid reader and this one will definitely be a classic... Smiles.......

Wow… I am impressed. I am an avid reader...Horror, Mystery, Sci-fi, History… descriptive writing is the key aspect. The best stories will remain untold through the lack of this skillset. Needless to say, Corey Pegues’ story is seriously being told. It pulls you in like you are right there… hearing the music…watching the people and living the life. Initially, I was a bit disappointed and feeling that “they” were going to soil his name and erase all the good in his career. “Life”…you know how hard it is for us…why would you do this? However, this story speaks to an entire population of young men that need know that life is about choices and making the right choice can change your entire life, as well as your children and their children. Hard work pays and where you come from should never inhibit you from making a “good” life happen. Although this depicts his generation, it applies to the generation of today in Anytown, USA. The streets are a struggle and apparently, NYPD is a struggle. This can also be said about any career and industry…when you are from “around the way”. The book is a story about something much bigger than the author. The story is entertaining and the lessons are multifaceted. Read the book, as it is true that the book is always better than the movie, which is sure to come. This is a good read!

Awesome read. If you grew up in the inner city during the 80's, particularly NYC, you can relate so much to the era. The drug gangs, violence, crackheads, etc were everywhere. Once beautiful people, became addicted to crack, selling anything and everything including sex for the drug. A terrible era in NYC. The author relives all of that. I was interested in the book because I worked for the author (nypd) and yes, he was different, but different isn't necessary a bad thing. Though he did get a bad rap. But after reading this book in 3 days (and I don't read much), I realize that he was misunderstood. It's cool trying to figure out some of the characters in book. (most were re-named for the book). I can actually hear his voice and his cadence while reading. This book is a great story of redemption. How he became successful after all the despair he's seen and been through is something out of a Hollywood script. This book is intense and the honesty he put forth, even through the inevitable scrutiny is a testament to his character. The man stayed true himself and for that, I applaud him. Good job Corey.

Great book. I hope to real message in this book is noticed. A boy grew up in a bad time (rise of crack), and rose to be a man of something and had to fight the entire way.All he needed was someone to believe in him. We need to encourage and support our children. One person can make a world of difference.

This book was most inspiring.. Being from Queens, while reading the book I would imagine every place he spoke about. O'Connell Park, Baisley Park etc. I would read the book out loud to my husband, and just when I thought he wasn't listening, when I'd start reading to myself he'd say "What happened" lol. When he got in the car with the Army recruiter I felt like I was there. When he graduated from the academy I felt like I was there too. I also felt like I was waiting with him for his promotions... It was nice to see he stayed true to himself his entire career. That he didn't join in to be accepted, selling his soul; he made it regardless. When I got to the end of the book when he was speaking with Ray Kelly I did want to read that he had gotten that final promotion he wanted, however, GOD had other plans for Corey. God felt like his work was done inside of the department and it was time to take his show on the road, to touch the lives of our youth who are completely lost. I am so happy that the book is doing well and I wish Corey much success in his future endeavors.

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