Last weekend, a screenwriter friend and his wife were visiting us for a wine tasting weekend when the conversation turned to work.  He asked for my take on a "search & seizure" issue related to how a character in his script would *actually* have to deal with it.  After a quick lesson on search warrants and privacy, I realized these types of questions are probably common amongst writers.  This was my A-HA moment and when I decided to launch this website.

I should probably explain that I've been a cop for nearly twenty years, the last sixteen as a detective.  I've held a variety of assignments, from wearing a suit and tie working white collar cases and then Major Crimes (sexual assault, robbery and homicide), to "dirtying up" to work more covertly in Narcotics, Vice and Counterterrorism.  I've worked alongside many of the federal acronym agencies, been assigned to task forces and worked on countless dignitary protection details.  In addition to my own adventures as a detective, these experiences have given me unparalleled insight into how these agents and agencies work.

We in law enforcement are wary of folks calling themselves "experts," often snarkily defining an expert as someone "carrying a briefcase and from more than 50 miles away."  I am not claiming to be an expert in all things law enforcement.  I am simply here to augment your writer's toolbox by offering my own experiences and knowledge.  I promise not to bullshit you.  I will tell you if I don't know something, and I will work with you to find the answer.

I want to thank the crime writing community on Twitter for welcoming me with open arms.  There are quite a few great resources for crime writers out there already.  I highly recommend following @HomicideSchool and @ThrillWritingFQ on Twitter.  As a writer, you're already able to accomplish a huge amount of research on the internet (which is likely why you are on this page) just by reading articles applicable to your story's scenario.  While I certainly plan to add to your technical repository of cop knowledge, my real goal is to help you understand the human aspect of police work.

Real-life police work is inherently conflict driven, which is why it is so common and perfect for fiction.  Conflict drives story.  This conflict goes beyond good vs. bad, right vs. wrong.  We'll explore that together as we look at character, motivation, and the human truth behind police procedure.  If you join the mailing list, I'll let you know when I update the blog and when I'll be speaking on these topics next.

If I can be of any assistance with your writing, don't hesitate to contact me or comment here on the blog page. 

-Adam
@LETechAdvisor