Sunday, September 11, 2016

SketchCop: Drawing a Line Against Crime


SketchCop: Drawing a Line Against Crime

Written by: Michael W. Streed
Narrated by: Stuart Gauffi
Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-13-16
Publisher: WildBlue Press


My Review
This is a compelling group of stories of how one cop doing his job hunting down criminals one sketch at a time. He gives such compassion not only to his drawings but to the victims treating each one as if they were the first. Giving them what the need to feel comfortable to give him the story as he draws what they see in their mind. At times not everyone is truthful as you will read it is part of his job to find every little detail even those that are not telling the truth so they can find the right person who did the crime.  No one is prefect as you will see inside these pages from the victim to the cops who put the bad guys away. We all make mistakes it is really painful when at times you make a big one and put the wrong one behind bars.  Having a drawing help put the write one away along with today’s DNA which they did not have years ago.

Mr. Gauffi did a wonderful job of narration it was read in one voice which would have been the voice of the author. That is expect since there really isn’t any characters this is a story of facts of things that have happen and how sketch helps solve the crime. There are no background noises or any signs where the narrator took a break with the volume going from low to high which is a sure sign a break was taken. He gives very clear narration with a smooth voice that keeps you awake and interested in what you are learning.  He lays the facts out giving compassion to the victims and all they had to go through. I look forward to listening to more from this narrator.

The author gives you a base that starts with him as a young boy wanting to be a cop just like his dad. He goes through his years with a switch to his job and his desire to draw combining it together. He goes through the start of pencil drawing taking you through to computer drawing and how that changed over the years. His input to the changes helping others make those changes in their department to how it effect the court room and having to prove what he does works. He writes about very interesting stories that has happen with him or others as well as the part he or other cops play in finding the guilty. As you well know not all criminals go to jail, not all are found, the innocent sometimes have to pay for a crime they didn’t commit. Thankfully with DNA this does not happen as much as it use to.  The human mind is a mystery as you will see clearly through the eyes of the author. We see things different, being scared makes us see things different. I found this to be a very interesting listen with wonderful facts. We see the pictures but I doubt many everything about the person behind those drawings . Anyone who enjoys true crime and all that goes with it will enjoy this audio.

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Summary
Orange Police Sergeant (Ret.) Michael W. Streed is "The SketchCop." He's a one-of-a-kind crime fighter who's frequently called into action by police departments seeking help solving their most difficult cases.

For over three decades, Michael has provided signature images for the country's most notorious murders, rapes, and kidnappings, including the kidnapping and murder of five-year-old Samantha Runnion, as well as the Baton Rouge Serial Killer.

The SketchCop has fought crime, coast-to-coast, from Los Angeles to Baltimore, Salt Lake City to Baton Rouge. Along the way, he has papered the walls of police squad rooms with sketches of their city's most dangerous criminals.

In this collection of true crime stories, Michael shares cases from his own portfolio. He describes how he connects with, and empowers, courageous victims and eyewitnesses, from all walks of life. Using their descriptions, the author creates life-like sketches of the assailants with an accuracy that has led to quick identifications and captures.

SketchCop - Drawing A Line Against Crime provides readers a glimpse at some of Michael W. Streed's career cases and the significant role he plays in the criminal justice system.

Endorsements
"Mike Streed is a cop - and one of California's most vital artists...a standout in his field!"- Orange Coast Magazine, Orange County, CA

"SketchCop puts the entire investigation of my daughter's murder in a context rarely available to the public. Sarah, her friend, will be forever remembered for her unbelievable courage. The two of you clearly made a wonderful team as you worked together to make sure the man who killed Samantha could never hurt another child."- Erin Runnion, Samantha's mother and Founder - The 'Joyful Child Foundation'

"SketchCop is a timely, compelling commentary on the power and importance of forensic art. Mike Streed's work has been key to identifying many offenders. He has also been a great ally of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and this book brings the complex, difficult cases he has worked to life."-Ernie Allen, Former President - National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

"As insightful a read as it is fascinating, written by an expert who is in the know. A must-read for true crime fans and those interested in the fascinating world of real police work." -- Gary C. King, author of Blood Lust and Driven to Kill

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