Homicide

[Alexander Smith]

Amazon
Just wanted to suggest this book. I read it a long time ago, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are some very sad parts, especially the whole point of the primary investigation in this case, but it serves as an in depth look at this particular homicide division.

[CityOfChicago]

I love the part where the dic uses the Quaker Oats can as a radar gun. It inspired me to use an empty Dunkin cup the same way. I drew the bottom black with a marker in my bag then killed the last hour of my watch destroying morning traffic on Cicero Ave.

Have you read "The Killing Season" by Miles Corwin? A late 90's summer with LAPD Homicide. Very funny. In one part a stray round from a drive-by goes thru a wall and sticks a giant stuffed Gumby. The Dic takes it back to the office, puts a desk lamp over it, and "autopsies" it while speaking out loud to an invisible recorder. Then he lays it on the ground, puts his gun in its hand, takes a poloroid, and makes "Who Killed Gumby?" fliers for all over the office.

PLEASE tell me you watch The Wire....

[Alexander Smith]

Haha! I can't remember if this is from Homicide or not, but I remember a part in some book, where the detectives were using the fax machine as a lie detector. They'd get the guy to give information standing next to it, and then they'd print a sheet out, and pretend it said the guy was lying. :P

I don't watch The Wire, primaryily because my family doesn't watch TV at all! But the episodes are just $2.00 on iTunes, so I might give it a shot if you think it's worth it.

[CityOfChicago]

Yeah, that was Simon's book. David Simon co-produced the TV show "Homicide" and the scene you were talking about is in an episode from the first season.

Simon also co-produced The Wire with a retired Baltimore copper. That show is the most realistic depiction of modern urban policing around. You wanna learn about what it's like to be a city cop? The work, the BS, the politics, the futility? That's the show. Season one is arguably the best. They start with a name and nothing else - not even a DOB or picture - and work up into a series of wire taps and work a major drug ring in the 'jects. And how the players talk? If you dont understand streettalk, bring a translator. It's spot-on. Do yourself the favor and absorb all 5 seasons.

Anybody here from Balt'more?

[Cate001]

I am completely obsessed with the show, and the copy machine part was all gold. I really want to read the book... And it's Bawlmore, Chicago. :D

[Alexander Smith]

I just read Homicide again, and wow! The part in the 1st ep. of The Wire with the black guy talking to the detective is straight out of the book. Pretty cool!