Not for the Faint-Hearted: Metropolitan Police Commissioner 2000-2005

By John Stevens

Book Overview

In this absorbing and controversial memoir, John Stevens records highlights of his meteoric career, from walking the beat as a constable on London's Tottenham Court Road during the 1960s to the summit... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0753820838
• ISBN13: 9780753820834
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Phoenix House
• Length: 401 Pages
• Weight: 0.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.3" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Not An Arrogant Heart

Sir John, now Baron John, who enjoyed a career that saw him rise to the highest position in British Policing, the Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police, has written a thoroughly enjoyable book. One aspect that the book lacks is arrogance, he gives insight into his own short-comings in his brilliant career, a fact that betrays any idea that he might be superhuman, while glossing over any pomp and circumstance that comes with his elevated position. Despite retiring at the top, he is still a beat copper/detective at heart. Anybody that is on the job learns that his career goals were achieved through good old fashioned hard work, very inspirational.

Great police biography

Sir John has provided a great read in this his autobiography. It does appear to be written by him - with its exacting use of the English language it is a bit like reading a police officer's pocket book at times! You would need to have an interest in policing and security policy to really enjoy it to the full but its still a light read and gives insight also in a fascinating and admirable character. The book pre-dates Operation Paget (enquiry into the death of the Princess of Wales) and so the hope is that Sir John will be writing a sequel covering recent events.