"The Onion Field", then & now.

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Wyatt Burp

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This guy on You Tube does these historical analysis' of historic crimes, famous accidents, or WW2. He looks at places today via satellite imaging where these famous things occurred. Ir might be boring to some people but if you like this stuff here he covers the extremely tragic Onion Field police killing of 1963. Satellite view right down to street level.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDdnIwlTN-k[/ame]
 
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Joseph Wambaugh was, without a doubt, the best at telling police tales, but this book was incredibly depressing. Wambaugh's books that depicted the lighter side of police work, yet always remaining accurate were much better stories.
 
rockquarry said:
Joseph Wambaugh was, without a doubt, the best at telling police tales...
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Well, he's still alive, so let's don't talk about him in the past tense. He's 81-years-old now.

You're right though...The Onion Field was depressing, and I struggled to get through the whole book. Matter of fact, I had the book in hardcover...a first edition...and I gave it away, something I rarely do.

Talking about Wambaugh, though, reminded me of The Blue Knight and The New Centurions, and how much I enjoyed those books. I may have to revisit those novels...maybe pick up paperback copies on my next trip to the bookstore.
 
When the movie came out starring Ted Dansen my brother called me upset b/c he thought I looked like Ted Dansen (I was MUCH younger then) and the idea I could be killed working as a cop must have hit home. I read the book and later watched the movie and it creeped me out too.
 
The Onion Field

Faulkner said:
The movie "The Onion Field" was required watching when I went to the law enforcement academy. Lesson of the day; never, never give up your sidearm.
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It also decided me to ALWAYS carry a "Backup" and also an extra handcuff key inside my pants belt in the back
 
Your main job as a LEO is to do everything you can possibly do to make sure you and, if you have one, your partner go home in one piece at the end of your shift. Back up guns and a warrior spirit, along with good tactics and a smile from God will usually carry the day. There are no routine traffic stops and every call for service carries an element of danger regardless of the nature of that call. If you wear a uniform, you are a target. Wear your body armor with ballistic plate, have a good understanding of basic first aid and never, never ever give up !
 
"Two men riding around at 10:30 at night,they had on black jackets and looked like crooks ".
That is what the you tube narrator said, but was that actual testimony from the officer that lived; according to Wambaugh and court records?

If that was the reason for the stop, and that case were brought forward 55 years, in THAT state, those guys might "walK" with a sizable wad of cash I'm sorry to say.
 
Watchdog said:
Well, he's still alive, so let's don't talk about him in the past tense. He's 81-years-old now.

You're right though...The Onion Field was depressing, and I struggled to get through the whole book. Matter of fact, I had the book in hardcover...a first edition...and I gave it away, something I rarely do.

Talking about Wambaugh, though, reminded me of The Blue Knight and The New Centurions, and how much I enjoyed those books. I may have to revisit those novels...maybe pick up paperback copies on my next trip to the bookstore.
Click to expand...

As a long time Wambaugh fan, I realize he's still alive. Past tense was used because I believe at one time he really was the best at telling police tales. Maybe he still is, but the more recent Wambaugh works don't compare to the older stuff.

"Blue Knight", "Secrets of Harry Bright", "Golden Orange" and many others were incredibly good reading. I've loaned out (never to be returned) some Wambaugh books, but I still have a dozen or so. I may also have to go back and do some re-reading.

In Wambaugh's earlier days of writing, I'd often buy the latest book as soon as I found it available. I've never followed another author's works in such a manner.
 
I had forgotten about the "Police Story" episodes. They were generally excellent and pretty realistic, often providing insight into lesser known aspects of police work and the personal lives of those involved.

"Police Story" had many great guest stars. Some were well past their best years of acting, but a lot of these folks really had credentials in the business.
 
Pretty much all Wambaugh fiction follows that pattern: full of hilarious anecdotes, but depressing in the end.

“The Onion Field” was depressing almost from beginning to end.

I think my favorite was “The Secrets of Harry Bright”. I read it 30 years ago but still smile at the vignette about the three Samoans who, after assaulting an undercover cop, “resisted handcuffing” to the extent that they had to have cold water splashed on them so they could wake up and resist some more.
 
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