Biography

Joseph Wambaugh was an LAPD officer for several years before turning into a novelist. He was still on the LAPD when two of his books, 'The New Centurions' and 'The Blue Knight', were published. He decided to quit the force because too many people recognized him while he was on duty.

Graduated with an associate of arts degree from Chaffey College. He later also attended Cal State Los Angeles where he earned BA and MA degrees..

Of Irish and German ancestry. His father was also a police officer.

Enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17.

Joined the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in 1960, serving for 14 years and rising from patrolman to detective sergeant. .

I'm very interested in the concept of the sociopath, very interested, because my conscience has bothered me all my life. Talk about regrets - I have about 20 every day. I was educated in Catholic schools, and they did that to me. So I have to cope with a conscience all the time. And I'm interested in a creature who has none of that.