L.A.’s Last Street Cop

Surviving Hollywood Freaks, the Aryan Brotherhood, and the L.A.P.D.'s Homicidal Vendetta Against Me

By: Al Moreno

Narrated by: Kevin Eiger

FINALIST - Book of the Year Awards, The Independent Author Network

A vivid true-life tale of service, survival, and sacrifice

This gripping memoir vividly recounts Al Moreno’s rise as a gifted and fearless Los Angeles police officer, surviving gangs and homicidal situations in urban war zones as he strove to achieve his personal and professional dreams. Packed with unforgettable scenes of both beauty and despair, it culminates in his vocal stand against corruption within the LAPD, and the political retribution that ensued - a dirty internal investigation that unleashed the murderous vendetta of a violent ex-con from the Aryan Brotherhood.

Born in Tijuana, Mexico, Al Moreno’s natural prowess for police work resulted in an unprecedented 70 commendations as he dealt with scores of gangs and violent criminals during his tenure with the Los Angeles Police Department officer in the late-1970s. Moreno was one of 36 police officers chosen from the ranks of the entire LAPD to launch what became the nation’s premiere specialized anti-gang unit, Operations Control Bureau C.R.A.S.H. (Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums).

He not only led his colleagues in arrests, but he was also frequently commended for his uncanny ability to control and arrest heavily armed suspects without the use of lethal force. His LAPD field commendations often noted this ability: “Regardless of how hectic the situation may be, Moreno never compromises completeness for speed. Officer Moreno displays particular skill when handling armed suspects, as he recovers more weapons in the field than any other C.R.A.S.H. officer yet has avoided involvement in an officer-involved shooting.” Before becoming a policeman, Moreno served with honor as a United States Marine in the Vietnam War, where he received a commendation for outstanding performance of duty."

©2020 Al Moreno (P)2021 Al Moreno

A great man

The audiobook kept my interest the entire time. Having met Al Moreno at gang training during my law enforcement career I have to say he is extremely knowledgeable about the gang world, and he cares deeply about other human beings. This is a must-listen-to see how agencies engage in skewing “numbers” and engage in nepotism.

A real eye-opener!!! Highly recommend

I read (listened to this book-terrific reader) after meeting the author in a coffee shop. I learned so much from the book, which is much of the author's life story. Mr. Moreno's life background and my life background are very different. I am about the same age as Mr. Moreno, but never really grasped or appreciated the perspective of someone physically facing the dangers of fighting in war or trying to stop gang violence daily.

The author's real-life experiences were shared with the reader in a manner that was very thought-provoking and eye-opening. Many thanks to him for doing all that he did and for sharing those experiences.

There was a common thread that I am all too familiar with- and that most of us can understand. The organizational hierarchy and chain of command have no tolerance for any challenge to authority or criticism. Unfortunately, this pattern was not an eye-opener. Mr. Moreno could have chosen the "go along, to get along" course. He did not because lives were and are at stake.
,
I will not spoil the ending of this book, other than to say, that Mr. Moreno's story is reality.

Good story!

Great book! I enjoyed hearing about his life and the LAPD. His story was well told.

Rare for the narrator to deliver a great book

I like the organized crime/ police genre of books and this one did not disappoint. The narrator did an excellent job in delivering the story. Overall great story line, great insight into the characters personal life and great account on the gritty work of a police officer who unfortunately encountered the world famous LAPD internal politics!

Not Persuasive-in fact a pity party

I was very disappointed in this story. At least half of it dealt with his partying and romancing. In fact, the end of his career is directly related to his drinking and party life and romancing. I am sure he had great potential at one time, but even taking his own admissions, it is no wonder his career as a police officer was cut short. I am not saying that as one who does not understand the difficult streets of gang enforcement in a big city, I have also been there as a sworn member of a large metro gang unit- not LA. But his tactics, and justifications for both verbal and physical brutality were troubling. I know that it was a different time in the 70s, but it was that kind of policing that has evolved into many of the troubles we have today.