Quinn and Associates 

Publishing and Consulting

Walking With The Devil                           Striving To Be The Best 

     Second Edition

by Michael W. Quinn                                       by Allen Garber

                                                    

   

Livestream video interview with Mike Quinn at: http://www.livestream.com/truthtotellmn/video?clipId=pla_02fbed3e-e023-4503-81cb-1fa61f0d27e5&utm_source=lslibrary&utm_medium=ui-thumb

 

What people are saying . . .

I’ve just finished reading a great book recently written and published by retired Minneapolis Police Officer Michael W. Quinn, a brutally frank expose of the “police code of silence” entitled Walking With the Devil (subtitled “What bad cops don’t want you to know and good cops won’t tell you”). Unlike so many police chiefs who like to gloss over the strong pressures and really difficult ethical dilemmas that result all too frequently in police officers. (Even the good ones) doing the wrong thing. Quinn exposes and unravels them, through a number of true stories, many of which the author participated in. Not only is the book a must read for anyone in law enforcement, but I believe it contains a lot of applicability to ethical dilemmas in all sorts of other professions and life situations.

Coleen Rowley, Retired FBI Agent, Times Magazine 2002 Woman of the Year

Many people can never understand why a battered spouse doesn’t just leave. I’ve written about that and understand it. But until I read Walking With the Devil, I never understood how a truly good cop could abide by, even embrace, the code of silence. I have written about thecode’s existence but never fully grasped how and why it exists. Mike Quinn has made a tremendous contribution with his “must read” exposition and explanation of this destructive phenomenon.”

Kären M. Hess, B.S., M.S., M.A., PhD, Author of 30+ college text and trade books, Instructor and workshop facilitator

I just finished reading your book last night. It was fantastic, fantastic, fantastic and should be required reading for every officer. My compliments to you on having captured so perfectly the complexities of the issue of the Code of Silence. Take care and, again, my thanks for this outstanding book.

Kimberly Armstrong, Manager Professional Standards Branch, Edmonton Police Service, Canada

I firmly believe that Mike Quinn’s book should be mandatory reading for all recruits attending a police academy and on the International Association of Chiefs of Police professional development reading list. Whenever the opportunity presents itself I give this as a gift to young people as they prepare to start their career in Law Enforcement.

Richard Thomas, Chief of Police, Port Washington, Wisconsin, and former Educational Consultant for the State of Wisconsin Department of Justice, Training and Standards Bureau

Walking With the Devil examines the dynamics of “Code of Silence” and should be required reading for everyone embarking on a career in law enforcement. Mr. Quinn’s insightful examination of this topic is engaging and dispels many of the myths surrounding the phenomenon of Code of Silence.

Sam Pettineo, Deputy Chief (Ret.), Evanston IL PD, Adjunct Instructor, Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety

Michael W. Quinn is a retired Minneapolis Police Officer who is determined to bring to the attention of the public an informed and informative expose of what he calls the “police code of silence” in his book Walking With the Devil: What bad cops don’t want you to know and good cops won’t tell you. Deftly edited by Margot Willet, Walking With the Devil reveals why this police version of “Omerta” comes about and is enforced by the dangers of the job and the (sometimes misplaced) loyalties that arise from them. From training in a police academy, to the investigations of Internal Affairs, to scandal driven precinct shake ups, [Quinn] lays out everything in language and example that is accessible to the non-specialist general reader. Of special note is the section devoted to ten myths about policing which range from “street justice teaching people a lesson” to once being a part of a police “Code of Silence” you can’t extricate yourself, to the necessity to be macho if you want to be effective in law enforcement. [Quinn] does more than just outline and document problems, he also offers advice for police administrators and line officers as to what can be done to weed out lawlessness from law enforcement. With the inclusion of a Glossary, References, and an Index, Walking With the Devil should be considered required reading for all police academia curriculums, and is highly recommended for anyone who is “on the job,” as well as an essential reference for civilian review board members and concerned members of the community.

Midwest Book Review, Internet Bookwatch Volume 15, No. 7, July 2005

I finally found the time to read your book, Walking With the Devil: The Police Code of Silence. I thoroughly enjoyed it and want to thank you again for sending me a copy. Your many accounts of your own career sparked a few flashbacks from my own. Although I did not work anywhere near as long as you did in street policing. I couldn’t help reflect upon the truth of what you said: that the code of silence challenges nearly every police officer, quickly and repeatedly. I respect the courage it took to write this book as well as the courage to deal with the devil over the course of your career. I will be looking for opportunities to make use of your book in my work with both police agencies and law students.

Michael S. Scott, University of Wisconsin Law School, Director, Center for Problem-Oriented Policing

Michael Quinn writes a courageously truthful book on police ethics in Walking With the Devil From a practitioner perspective, his book examines his experience during his career with the Minneapolis Police Department. As we enter the 21st Century, the book should be a “Rosetta Stone” for practitioners in Policing a Free Society whether from Baghdad to Bloomington. The book is an excellent resource for academia and instructors in the field of criminal justice.

Michael F. Gorham, Deputy Sheriff, Wisconsin DOJ Training and Standards Curriculum Committee Member

Quinn’s book reveals what really goes on behind the scenes. I learned stuff I never knew, including about one case I handled in the grand jury. Quinn describes police falsifying reports, committing perjury, and covering these acts by the “Code of Silence.” It’s cover your partner’s ass, because next time you may need the partner to cover yours. When Quinn saw misconduct, he went to superiors, first line supervising sergeants, lieutenants, and even deputy chiefs, getting no satisfaction. So, what’s so important about this book? It is that every judge should read it and understand the pressures and motivation that foster the police misconduct that defense lawyers see every day. Let’s face it, these judges are incredibly naïve about police misconduct. They think the police tell the truth and defendants lie.

When I was a third year law student doing a prosecutorial internship I was assigned a marijuana possession case. The defendant was arrested in his living room and the police found the pot in the bedroom. This was just after the Supreme Court decided Chimel v. California in which the court said a “search incident” was limited to the arrestee’s arm’s reach. When I told this to the cop who seized the evidence, he said, “Well, then, I found the pot in the living room.” Needless to say I was shocked at his readiness to commit perjury and dismissed the case. Quinn details case after case of this sort of thing.

Quinn makes the point that “one cop” can make a difference. He cites examples in which misbehaving police were told by coworkers to stop. The misconduct would stop in front of the complainant. Color me cynical, but who knows what happened elsewhere. Read this book and pass it on to the bench. It is a rare glimpse at a world that is indeed shrouded in the “Code of Silence.”

John C. Brink, Attorney, Former Hennepin County Prosecutor, 2003-2010 Super Lawyer

I thought I would take today to tell you that I think you have written a great book. It is sorely need in the law enforcement community. Its greatest value is that it will generate heated debates and offend those who need to be offended. I always liked and admired you. I appreciated your drive and competency. Today I admire your courage!

William J. Lewinski, PhD. Force Science® Institute, Ltd

Quinn challenges ethical officers with a simple, practical strategy for confronting an unethical environment. Walking With the Devil instills a sense of hope for cracking the blue code of silence. I recently referenced Quinn’s concepts as I taught police ethics to the command staff of a police agency in a developing country. Without a doubt, Quinn’s message is universal. A powerful read for those who believe in the ethical obligations of the police.

Chief Frank Kaminski (ret), Evanston, Illinois Police Department

I just purchased, read (in one sitting), highlighted and footnoted your excellent book on the Police Code of Silence—I found absolutely nothing therein, with which I did not completely agree! I retired as Chief of Police for the city Bellevue, WA (a twin city of Seattle somewhat akin to St. Paul and Minneapolis). To me the great mystery of law enforcement has always been why 98% of our police officers do a difficult job well but will cover-up for the other 2%, with whom we would all be better off without—Mike Quinn has helped to explain why and how that occurs. Congratulations on an important statement that should be required reading for every Chief of Police, Prosecutor, and Judge in the United States.

D.P. “Van” Blaricom, Chief of Police—Retired, Police Practices Expert

It’s absolutely outstanding, but also sobering. As a retired career cop (Michigan) and a Field Training Instructor since 1982, I can attest to the imprinting that FTO/Mentors have on Probationers. Keep writing—it’s an important gap to fill! With the best wishes,

Coach Sok— Bruce A. Sokolove, Law Enforcement Consultant, Field Training Associates

I have known Mike Quinn for many years now and worked with him in several capacities. Whatever the issue, and whatever his function Quinn is always the epitome of professionalism. As a security professional his attention to to detail and to duty are always dialed in. As a tactical trainer he is a real expert but still flexible enough to listen to new ideas. As an author and speaker on ethics issues Quinn is highly principled, yet thoughtful and compassionate. I highly recommend his book for anyone that cares to honestly explore the complexities of ethics in the context of life and death issues on the street.

Glen Legus, U.S. Marshal’s Service

By way of introduction, My name is Larry Horak. I’m a long time city cop and former FBI agent. I just wanted to convey to you my appreciation for your excellent take on the police code of silence. I saw many parallels between your experiences and those that I encountered throughout my career. During my career, I’ve been put in unenviable positions due to indiscretions taken by those with whom I worked Fortunately, I chose to the right thing and lived to see another workday.

I currently teach police internal affairs for the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA) and I mention and recommend your book during the module of the course that deals with the code of silence. At any rate, kudos to you and thanks for putting on paper what’s been bouncing around my own head for many years.

Larry Horak, Margate (FL) Police Department, Professional Standards Division

It’s a good, fun read that gets to the heart of dealing with issues of mistrust of the police in our communities of color. I would recommend it to any one who is interested in such issues, or who is attempting to deal with them. If I were teaching our Police and Community course, it would be required reading in that!

Dr. Scott Magnuson-Martinson, Chair, Sociology, Anthropology and Law Enforcement, Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN

Thank you for sending me your book to review. Just by way of background, I have been with the California Commission of Peace Officer Standards and Training for over 7 years. During that time I have worked with every rank from Sergeant to Chief on leadership and ethics. I found your book absolutely fascinating. It was the best book on the topic I have read. The stories were riveting, the analysis and research excellent, and the relevance to policing right on target. I have passed the book on to a couple of colleagues, one of which I expect will contact you shortly.

Steve Lewis, Senior Law Enforcement Consultant, Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, California

Dear Mr. Quinn:

Your book has been placed in the Office of the Chancellor library. Please know that this fine work reflects upon and redounds to the benefit of the entire Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

With best wishes,

James H. McCormick, Chancellor, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities

Thanks for writing it Mike. People need to know that this kind of stuff still goes on. It took guts for you to write it. People give the same excuse they always do. “Oh, that was back in the bad old days.” They said that in the seventies, too. Also, people need to know that it’s not just New York and Chicago.

Mark G. Robbins, PhD, Dept. of Political Science/Law Enforcement, MN State Colleges and Universities

A truly courageous book that brings to light the seductive power of the Code and the false belief that one cannot step back after crossing the line. A powerful book. It caused me to recognize and rethink my personal transgressions with code and vow that I never again allow its seductive power to take hold in my life. A must-read for every officer. An empowering work that helps the officer to look at himself in the mirror at the end of each shift without shame, remorse, or regret.

James F. Zagrzebski, U.S. Marine Corps Military Police (Retired), MTC Police (Retired)

The “10 Myths” were excellent and should be taught, learned and become part of the police culture.

Michael A. CampionPhD, LP, HSPP, CPQ. Campion, Barrow and Associates, Champaign, Illinois

I found your book to be fascinating, informative and powerful. Once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. It gave me an adrenaline rush.

Patricia J. Hughes, Attorney at Law, Former Executive Director Minneapolis Police Civilian Review Authority

Everyone in the Criminal Justice System needs to read this book!

Steven Gilkerson, FBI, Retired Former SWAT Commander

Michael W. Quinn’s new book, Walking With the Devil: The Police Code of Silence, is a must-read for every ethical person involved with the legal system. Quinn writes in vivid street-cop language, compelling police recuits’—and our—attention with gritty adrenaline-laced descriptions of the life-and-death, “slippery with blood and sweat” survival-mode situations in which gut instincts—“amygdala hijackings”— propel even the most ethical cops into difficult battles with the Code of Silence, the implicit rule that a cop never ‘snitches’ on another cop. When he has our attention, he leads us through the “terrible internal struggles” of honesty and ethics. Quinn is bluntly honest about “cop culture” and institutional pressures toward corruption, including “creative report writing” and “testilying.”

Quinn guides his readers into a gut-level understanding of real-life ethics. He addresses the criminally-serious problems detailed in his book, describing outstanding successes of two police units he supervised, “that refused to use the Code,” and debunks the ‘top ten’ “Myths of Policing.” The Police Code of Silence is a profoundly powerful text book. When studied with the dedicated seriousness of a police recruit at the Academy, Michael Quinn’s teaching builds and strengthens ethics beyond abstract intellectual knowledge, into the very fibers of one’s being. Even in those of us who believe ourselves to deeply ethical, Quinn’s book can awaken and nurture a deeper understanding of ethics as a vital part of life in every moment.

Clara NiiSka, Guest Reviewer, National Lawyers Guild Chapter News