Cop Talk

Sergeant Bob Sherman grew up on the south side of Chicago. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Northern Illinois University, and taught in a south suburban high school for six years. He thought about a law enforcement career for a long time and decided to make the change.
After working a short while as a part-time officer in a small village, he left education and was hired as an officer in another suburb. He built a solid foundation for a career as he served as a patrol officer, detective, crime scene technician, juvenile officer, and supervisor. After five years, he went to work at a sheriff's office in Oregon as a deputy. Two years later, he was hired by a large west coast city and held a variety of assignments in patrol, investigation and supervisory roles. Following twenty-four years of service with that city, he retired in 2007.

Bored with the fantasy world and inaccuracy of typical mass media "cop shows," in about 2010, Sergeant Bob Sherman decided that he should share real police stories with the public. He began his book, which in its 2015 draft form achieved honorable mention in the non-fiction category of the Cedric Literary Awards Competition. Over the next five years, the book was expanded and refined and became the product available today!

Sergeant Bob and his bride, Marie, spend part of each year in British Columbia and Arizona. They share their interests in driving race cars, skiing, animal rescue, and firearms.

This book was written primarily for the non-police reader. However, it was subjected to "peer review" for accuracy and content. Read what experienced law enforcement professionals say about "Cop Talk." None have received any compensation for their opinions.


"Most people's opinion of police work is derived from the embellished concept delivered daily by Hollywood to our theaters and television. Sergeant Bob Sherman's reflective writing style places the reader next to him as he patrols the streets. He delivers the unpredictable events that interject themselves into the daily life of a police officer. From the need to be able to make "split second" decisions under pressure to being able to laugh at the follies of mankind, his concise writing of each chapter allows the reader to set the book down and pick it up later without missing a "beat" and begin a new adventure." James M. Paoletti, Chicago Police Department, Captain (retired) / Chief of Police, Crete Illinois (retired)


"Sergeant Bob Sherman writes with meticulous attention to detail, a realistic approach, and sound police tactics. His straightforward style provides a safe haven for readers to experience the life of a career police officer." Undersheriff Bob Peterson, Orange County, California, Sheriff 's Office


"Sergeant Bob's book draws you right in! Finishing one chapter, you are keen to see what the next one is all about. A lot of policing between the USA and the United Kingdom is so similar, but for the carrying of firearms and the onerous responsibilities when they are used and discharged." Constable Roger Parker, Retired Patrol Officer, Police Vehicle Technology Specialist, Central Motorway Police Group, England