An Inconvenient Cop

My Fight to Change Policing in America

By: Edwin Raymond, Jon Sternfeld

Narrated by: Edwin Raymond

FINALIST FOR THE DAYTON LITERARY PEACE PRIZE
A WASHINGTON POST BEST NONFICTION BOOK OF 2023
A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST BOOK OF 2023

“With illuminating, vivid, and meticulous prose, Edwin Raymond delivers an extraordinary exposé on policing in America . . . An essential, exceptional work.”
—Toluse Olorunnipa, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of His Name Is George Floyd

From the highest-ranking whistleblower in NYPD history, a gripping insider look at the complexities of modern policing and the urgent need for reform

Over his decade and a half with the New York Police Department, Edwin Raymond consistently exposed the dark underbelly of modern policing, becoming the highest-ranking whistleblower in the history of the force and one of the country’s leading voices against police injustice. Offering a rare, often shocking view of American policing, An Inconvenient Cop pulls back the curtain on the many flaws woven into the NYPD’s training, data, and practices, which have since been repackaged and repurposed by police departments across the country.

Gravitating toward law enforcement in the hope of being a positive influence in his community, Raymond quickly learned that the problem with policing is a lot deeper than merely “a few bad apples”—the entire mechanism is set up to ensure that racial profiling is rewarded, and there are weighty consequences for cops who don’t play along. Struggling with the moral dilemma of policing impartially while witnessing his fellow officers go with the flow, Raymond’s journey takes him to the precipice of personal and professional ruin. Yet, through it all, he remains steadfast in his commitment to justice and his belief in the potential for change.

At once revelatory and galvanizing, An Inconvenient Cop courageously bears witness to and exposes institutional violence. It presents a vision of radical hope and makes the case for a world in which the police’s responsibility is not to arrest numbers but to the people.

©2023 Edwin Raymond and Jon Sternfeld (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"I am thinking about quitting my job as a local cop. I don’t know the when but I do know the why. Many of the reasons can be found in the pages of Edwin Raymond’s An Inconvenient Cop: My Fight to Change Policing in America. . . . Raymond’s book, based on what he did and didn’t do as he rose through the ranks of the New York City Police Department, explains better than most how one cop can’t change the system — but how change can’t happen without that one cop trying.” —The Washington Post

“In this searing memoir, 14-year NYPD veteran Raymond argues that New York City is ‘the red-hot center of the problem’ of racially motivated police brutality . . . Combining personal anecdotes and painstaking research, Raymond passionately advocates for wholesale police reform, arguing with convincing clarity that ‘when you toss out bad apples, you’re not changing a damn thing.’ This is a gutting and essential take on a hot-button issue.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Vital, timely . . . Readers will be impressed by Raymond’s courage and integrity, and he presents an inspiring story, captivatingly written and exciting to read. An urgent exposé, essential to understanding the fractured state of policing in America.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Inspired

i was not surprised by the behavior he exposed, I've seen the immature ,ego driven police behavior my whole life.
What did surprise me , what I wasn't ready for , was the gift of this man's way of navigating the culture.
While I've become impatient and hard over seeing these things, the author kept an even, level head. He kept a good heart, and notes!
This book provided an example of how to proceed with equanimity and peace with oneself.

Enabling us to have resilience and a long game.

So worth it

Great narration

This is a great book. I love how its narrated by Edwin Raymond himself. He has a great voice and makes the book even better. Absolutely worth the credit.

#1 Best Seller

This book kept my attention from beginning to end. I spent the whole weekend listening. Edwin you did great on this book, I'm proud of you!!!! For me I have a more clear understanding when it comes to transit officers and how they operate because I am CENTRAL (voice heard on the audio). You've helped me understand more. Overall, congratulations!!!!!!

Enlightening on many levels

I like the author’s passion, courage, and clarity of purpose as he strives to change a system that has been built to resist change

loved it

Definitely an award winner. Grabbed me from start to finish. Great Great Great Job.

The story I needed to hear!

This book was so needed at this time. I hope cops are not afraid to read this and grow in their way of thinking!

Award Winning

Edwin’s love for the community and his job as a police officer was beautifully captured and articulated. I had a range of emotions from sadness, elation, anger, joy and disappointment and then joy again. I’m left with an appreciation for his bravery and plight to make real change. A must read. Congratulations Edwin and thanks for taking us through your journey! Hope a movie will follow.

So Brave

So grateful for this modern day activist who speaks out on his experience and genuinely has good intentions

Story

Very enlightening and relatable information about policing not just in NY but national. I recommend listening to this audio book.

The Man

Kept his head like the good game says. Spoke up against all odds; career suicide.